Since starting the season 9-19, a disastrous opening act that caused the organization to switch managers, the Phillies have completely turned things around. Don Mattingly's team completed a Rivalry Weekend sweep of the Pirates on Sunday for their fourth straight win. Philadelphia is now 15-4 since employing the nuclear option, which has been enough to elevate them past .500 and into second place in the National League East. What was once a massive hole does not seem as daunting as the Braves' division lead has been shaved down to eight games and a wild card spot is only 3 1/2 games out of reach. It's a remarkable turn around on a dime and new life has been breathed into the franchise even quicker than the biggest optimist would have hoped.
The immediate turnaround mirrors what happened four years ago as a mid-season managerial change ushered in a 14-2 run and an eventual trip to the World Series. This upcoming stretch of play, beginning with the Reds coming into town on Monday, will reveal just how hot the Phillies are—and if they are for real.
