Time to have Altherr batting third?

Aaron Altherr crushes a pinch-hit, three-run home run to tie the game at 5 in the bottom of the 8th inningThe Phillies enter the series 13-17, with 16 games having been against the Nationals, Cubs and Dodgers. Nobody would be surprised to see two of those teams playing in the National League Championship Series in October. So, yes, while the Phils having a losing record, they have played better than last season. They have been in nearly every game.

Here are three takeaways from the Phillies' first 30 games:

1. Aaron Altherr. Is it time to ride the hot bat and hit Altherr third?

Altherr is hitting .338 with seven doubles, four home runs, 14 RBIs and a 1.057 OPS in 75 plate appearances. He ranks…