So here we are.
The Phillies are 15-9 and 14-5 in their last 19. They’ve been winning in different ways both on offense (4.875 runs per game) and on the mound (3.55 FIP, 18 home runs against in 24 games, all starters not named Ben Lively with a FIP under 3.44). Whether it was expected or not, this great start has allowed the Phillies to put themselves in position to be competitive throughout the season.
It’s not unprecedented for a bad team to have a hot start. Just two years ago the 2016 Phillies that finished 71-91 started the season 24-17 and ever-so-briefly sat in first place in mid-May.