Phillies' season spiraling as run differential hits rock bottom

Phillies' season spiraling as run differential hits rock bottom

Not getting the consistent offense they hoped for and a shaky list of pitchers is not a recipe for success. Often, it leads to an insane run differential, which is the case for the Phillies.

According to Bleacher Report's Joel Reuter, Philadelphia has the worst run differential across MLB. And with that, he ranks the team as the fourth-worst team in his latest power rankings.

"The Phillies were outscored 44-22 last week, and they now have baseball's worst run differential at minus-38 through 21 games. Ace Zack Wheeler could return during the club's weekend series in Atlanta, after making his fifth and final rehab start on Sunday, but there are issues beyond his absence at the top of the rotation."

Not all hope is lost as Wheeler could return as early as this weekend. He'd be a huge boost, but his return won't solve all the club's problems.

They need some bullpen arms to step up while Duran is away, and it wouldn't hurt for someone like Alec Bohm, who is currently hitting .139, to get it going at the plate.

More MLB news:

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• Rangers earn mediocre early-season grade as offense looks to find consistency
• Athletics secure 'B-' grade behind solid pitching and road success