The Philadelphia Phillies were dealt an incredibly unfortunate hand when Zack Wheeler was diagnosed with a frightening blood clot in his throwing shoulder, presumably ending his 2025 season. Losing one of the best pitchers in baseball right before the most important stretch of the season is an absolute backbreaker and would crush the World Series hopes of most teams. The Phillies aren't playing like most teams, though.
Their 74-53 record has them on pace to win 90-plus games for the third consecutive season. The 6.5-game division lead they currently hold over the New York Mets is a season high, thanks to their sweep of the Seattle Mariners.