Here’s a new Phillies Discussion. 

We enter the final week of the season with the Phillies on the verge of clinching a wild card berth.  Also up for grabs is playoff seeding.  Currently, Chicago and San Diego are a game ahead of the Phillies.  In the event of a tie or  ties, Chicago holds head-to-head advantages over both the Phillies and San Diego.  The Phillies hold the head-to-head advantage over San Diego.  In the unlikely event of the Diamondbacks closing ground with the Phillies, Arizona would hold an advantage in the second tie breaker, division record.

Important 3-game series during the final week include:

• September 22-24, 2026
  • Milwaukee at Philadelphia
  • Miami at Chicago Cubs
  • San Diego at Los Angeles
  • Arizona at Colorado
• September 25-27. 2026
  • Tampa at Philadelphia
  • Chicago Cubs at Boston
  • Arizona at San Diego

The Phillies schedule is harder on paper since their opponents have the best records within their leagues.  However, there are those who speculate that their opponents will be resting players down the stretch.  Milwaukee is still playing for home field advantage through the NLCS.  Both teams will have time to rest during the wild card series so I find that hopeful but not likely.  Even if they do sit some players, the Phillies have long shown the ability to play down to the level of their competition.  I expect they will start the playoffs on the road, opponent as yet undetermined.

This should post automatically at 10:PM EST on September 21th.  Comments on the previous discussion should automatically close at the same time.

Important Dates

• December 1, 2026 (11:59 p.m. ET): MLB Collective Bargaining Agreement expires.