The Phillies open a six-game road trip out west on Monday, beginning with a three-game set against the Diamondbacks. The Phils then will have Thursday off before facing the Giants in a three-game series this weekend. San Francisco is 7 1/2 games behind San Diego for the final wildcard spot. The Phillies have a 2 1/2 game lead over the Padres for the second wildcard position.
The Phillies collected just two hits on Sunday in a 5-0 loss to the Pirates. The defeat snapped a six-game winning streak and capped a 7-4 record over an 11-game homestand for the Phils.
"Of course, we're always looking forward to a sweep and trying to do that, but at the same time, we'll take that into the week and get ready for Arizona," Bryce Harper said.
The Phils have Ranger Suarez starting in Monday's series opener followed by Aaron Nola in Game 2 and Bailey Falter in the finale Wednesday at Chase Field. The D-backs counter with Madison Bumgarner, Zac Gallen and rookie left-hander Tommy Henry.
Wheeler Update
Zack Wheeler expects to pitch next Tuesday when the Phillies face the Marlins. The 32-year-old hurler was sidelined late last week with right forearm tendinitis.
Eflin Update
Zach Eflin is scheduled to throw a bullpen session this week. The 28-year-old has been out since mid-July due to patellofemoral pain in his right knee. There is no timetable for his return. It's unlikely he'll return to the rotation this year and instead will be used as an arm out of the bullpen.
Syndergaard Struggles
Noah Syndergaard has surrendered 15 runs over 30 1/3 innings since being acquired by the Phillies at the trade deadline. He's also given up 37 hits and is carrying a 1.37 WHIP. His next start will come on Saturday against the Giants.
About the Diamondbacks
Though their record is 59-67, the D-backs have been playing well as of late and swept the White Sox this past weekend in Chicago.
Local product Christian Walker (Norristown) is the club's hottest hitter, bashing seven dingers this month to add to a career-high 30 on the year.
The D-backs swept the Phillies last year in a late August series out in the desert. That series threw the Phillies into a tailspin and the club never bounced back.
Playoff Odds
The Phillies are currently on pace to win 91 games. ESPN and FanGraphs both place the Phils odds of reaching the postseason at 89% entering play on Monday.
