The Philadelphia Phillies have been much better than their 80-74 record suggests, though they are on pace to finish the season above .500 for the first time since 2011, when they won their last division title.
Imagine how good they’d be if they had a more reliable bullpen, which tied the MLB record for most blown saves in a season on Friday night; they now have 34, same as the 2004 Colorado Rockies.
But the Phillies also could be a lot worse if the following players were not having the excellent seasons they’re currently having.