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The Phillies swept the Texas Rangers this past weekend, extending their NL East lead to 5.5 games, their largest lead all season. As we enter the final sprint to the finish line, this team seems to have all the tools to win the NL East for back-to-back years.

Playing Their Best Ball

Throughout a 162-game season, it’s difficult to exactly pinpoint when a team is hitting its full stride. With the additions this team made at the deadline, along with the team starting to get healthier, it’s not too bold of a take to say this Phillies team is playing its best baseball of the season.

The Phillies won 5/6 games last week, taking 2/3 from the Baltimore Orioles before sweeping the Texas Rangers. The New York Mets got swept by the Milwaukee Brewers, opening the door for the Phillies to gain a 5.5-game lead over the Mets. With 45 games remaining, the Phillies have their largest lead over the Mets this season. The Mets have lost seven games in a row and appear to be in a downward spiral. The offense is inconsistent, and the pitching is weak. The dominant bullpen has been overused and is leading to a typical Mets collapse.

On the other hand, the Phillies will be getting the services of Aaron Nola and Alec Bohm back soon as they continue to rehab from injuries in Triple-A Leigh Valley. Reliever Jose Alvarado will also be returning soon from suspension to help the Phillies down the stretch. While Alvarado is ineligible for the postseason, his lefty arm out of the pen gives the Phillies another hard-throwing reliever they can rely on. Fans are also eagerly awaiting to see top prospect CF Justin Crawford called up soon to help with the outfield.

The Additions Make Statements

Last week, at the end of my article, I predicted that Harrison Bader would hit his first homer as a Phillie and the Phillies would sweep a series. Bader checked off my prediction pretty quickly with a homerun Monday night against the Orioles in the Phillies’ 13-3 win. Bader also showed off his gold glove with an incredible homerun robbery Sunday, taking away a game-tying homer from Rangers’ Corey Seager. Bader’s attitude and swagger fit in perfectly with this Phillies team and fanbase, and I think he will fit in well here in Philly.

As for Jhoan Duran, he is settling in just nicely. He is 4/4 in save appearances and has allowed one base runner over those four appearances. Duran’s stuff is even more electric when you watch it from your side. His fastball and knuckle curve combo is ridiculous, and it just seems like an unfair at-bat for the hitters. He is by far the best closer I have ever seen in a Phillies uniform, and he’s only been on the team for almost 2 weeks.

MVP Schwarber

While Shohei Ohtani is most likely going to win MVP, the season that Kyle Schwarber is having is unreal and is one of the best offensive seasons we have ever seen from a Phillies player. Schwarber has 41 home runs and 95 RBIs, which rank second in MLB. His .957 OPS is third to Aaron Judge and Ohtani. His .252 batting average is the best it’s ever been as a Phillie.

Kyle Schwarber NEEDS to remain a Phillie at the end of the season. My stance has not changed; it’s gotten even more aggressive. He is an offensive weapon and a top-tier clubhouse guy. This team and city cannot lose what Kyle Schwarber brings to this Phillies team, both on and off the field. I really can’t see Dave Dombrowski letting a guy who is probably going to hit 50+ homers walk in free agency.

Upcoming Week

The Phillies kick off a three-game series tonight in Cincinnati against the Reds (62-57), who are 1.5 games back of the Mets for the third wildcard spot. After the series against the Reds, the Phillies will head to Washington for a four-game series against the Nationals (47-70), who have been slumping as of late. The Phillies have a great opportunity this week to stay hot and increase that lead over a Mets team that is in a free fall.

Weekly Prediction

Stott continues his hot streak and hits two homers this week. The Phillies win 5/7 games and extend their lead to 7+ games.

Tags: Aaron Nola Alec Bohm Bryce Harper Bryson Stott Harrison Bader Jhoan Duran Kyle Schwarber MLB New York Mets Nick Castellanos NL East Philadelphia Phillies Phillies PHLSN PHLSportsNation Playoffs Trea Turner Zach Wheeler

Categorized:Phillies