First Half Recap: Phillies head into the All-Star break a half game out of a playoff spot
The Philadelphia Phillies will head into the All-Star break with two straight losses after winning their first four on their six game road trip to end the first half.
Catch up on yesterday’s game here >>
Losing two straight to the Miami Marlins is obviously not how you wanted to end the season, but overall it was a strong finish to the first half after a rough beginning to the 2023 MLB season.
The Phillies will head into the All-Star break at 48-41 on the season. After holding a Wild Card spot for the majority of the week, they have called a half-game out of the final Wild Card spot, now held by the San Francisco Giants.
Still, the Phillies’ 23-9 record is the second-best record since June 3rd and they have definitely turned things around over the past five weeks after a slow start this season.
The Phillies are on pace for the same exact record they had last season (87-75) when they made the postseason in the third and final Wild Card spot.
They do need to play better against teams in their own division, posting a 9-15 record against the Marlins, Braves, Nationals and Mets.
Phillies Record vs NL East Opponents
- Marlins: 2-4
- Braves: 2-4
- Mets: 2-4
- Nationals: 3-3
The good news is that the second half is favorable for the Phillies, who will play 43 of their final 73 games at home, including a stretch of games in August where they will play 19 of 24 at Citizens Bank Park.Â
The Phillies have the 19th hardest schedule with 73 games left in the second half. Their remaining opponents have a combined record over .500.
Phillies Toughest Opponents vs Weakest Opponents in Second Half
| Toughest Opponents | Weakest Opponents |
| Atlanta Braves (7 games) | Kansas City Royals (3 games) |
| Baltimore Orioles (3 games) | Washington Nationals (7 games) |
| Miami Marlins (7 games) | St. Louis Cardinals (6 games) |
| Toronto Blue Jays (2 games) | Pittsburgh Pirates (6 games) |
| San Francisco Giants (3 games) | New York Mets (7 games) |
| Milwaukee Brewers (6 games) | San Diego Padres (7 games)Â |
Bryce Harper and Jose Alvarado Injuries
Bryce Harper was hit in the elbow on Saturday and didn’t play yesterday. The x-rays came back negative (thank god) and Rob Thomson says that the All-Star break should have Harper set to return next Friday when the Phillies open up a series against the San Diego Padres at home.
Jose Alvarado was also sent to the 15-Day IL with left elbow inflammation.
Alvarado has a 1.38 ERA in 26 innings this season. He has struck out 39 and walked nine. His sinker has averaged 99 mph this season. In four appearances since he started to experience discomfort again in the elbow, it has averaged 98.5 mph. via MLB.com
There’s no MRI exam or injection scheduled, so that’s a relief for the Phillies’ bullpen who is already missing Seranthony Dominguez. Andrew Bellatti has been recalled from Triple A Lehigh Valley. We’ll see the status of Dominguez and Alvarado after the All-Star break.
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