I never wavered in my belief that the Braves would figure things out even as they stumbled through the season’s first two months. They would get sorted out and make the postseason one way or another. I’ll end up being right about that. But it turns out I was wrong to write off the Phillies, who are creeping up on the Braves in the National League wild-card standings.
The Phillies rallied late to beat Marlins ace Sandy Alcantara on Wednesday for their seventh consecutive victory and 12th in 14 games. The Phillies are 41-19 since June 1. Only the Dodgers (44-17) and Braves (42-19) have a better winning percentage during that time (all statistics and records before Thursday’s games). Now the Phillies are on track to end their postseason drought at 10 years.
The Phillies kept winning even after outfielder Bryce Harper, the 2021 NL MVP, went to the injured list June 26. They’ve gotten offensive pop from veteran sluggers whom team owner John Middleton paid “stupid” money. The top of the rotation is strong, the bullpen has improved dramatically and defense, a Phillies sore spot for years, has become passable.
