The Philadelphia Phillies are tied for the worst record in MLB at 10-19, trailing the Atlanta Braves by 10.5 games. There are three key pitching areas identified that could help them improve and potentially reach the postseason.
3 ways Phillies can fix their issues and turn league-worst record around originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The Philadelphia Phillies are tied with the New York Mets for the worst record in Major League Baseball, with both teams sitting at 10-19. Every other team has at least 11 wins this season.
They are already 10.5 games back of the Atlanta Braves for the top spot in the NL East, and winning the division looks to be out of reach already. But, fixing their issues and getting into the postseason is still possible.
ESPN's Jesse Rogers highlighted three areas of their team, all on the pitching staff, for how the Phillies could turn things around from this disastrous start to the season.
"The way to respectability and contention is through the pitching staff," Rogers writes. "Zack Wheeler's return is off to a good start, while there has to be some positive regression for others - starting with Luzardo. Plus, Jhoan Duran's return should settle down the pen."
While the offense has been a big issue this season for the Phillies, the real problem has been the lackluster and inconsistent play from the Phillies pitching staff.
The Philadelphia Phillies currently have a record of 10-19, tying them for the worst in Major League Baseball.
The Phillies are 10.5 games behind the Atlanta Braves, who lead the NL East.
The Phillies can focus on three specific areas related to their pitching staff to improve their performance this season.
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Cristopher Sanchez has struggled a bit lately, but he still has a 2.94 ERA. If he can keep up such a sub-3.00 ERA pace all year, and Wheeler, Jesus Luzardo, and Andrew Painter can pitch well, they will be just okay.
Aaron Nola might be a lost cause, as his 6.03 ERA and metrics are very concerning this season. But, he could be the team's fifth starter, and not as big of a deal in 2026 if the rest of the rotation can pitch well.
Add in the return of Duran as the team's closer, and the Phillies' pitching staff would all of a sudden be one of, if not the best in baseball.
Even if the offense struggles a bit, the elite pitching staff can keep the Phillies in games and help turn things around after a rough few weeks.
Between Duran's return, Wheeler continuing to be a solid starter this year, and Luzardo/Sanchez/Miller getting a bit more luck on the mound, things could begin to go the Phillies way despite such a bad start to the year.