So, what happens if the Philadelphia Phillies are only now heating up?
The Atlanta Braves would rather not ponder that question, certainly. The Phillies, who knocked NL East champion Atlanta out of the playoffs the past two years did so only after suffering through grim and discouraging Aprils.
This month has been anything but.
The Phillies are closing out the month on a heater, winners of eight of their last 10, including a stirring sweep at San Diego. At 19-10, they’re barely off Atlanta’s major league-best 19-7 pace.
It’s a stark contrast to 2022, when the Phillies were a .500 team after a month, and last year’s 25-30 start that included significant struggles from new shortstop Trea Turner. Well, Turner is producing at an MVP clip already, and no club is getting better starting pitching.
MLB SALARIES: Baseball’s top 25 highest-paid players in 2024
Little wonder that the Phillies are making moves in USA TODAY Sports’ power rankings.
A look at this week’s rankings:
- Marcell Ozuna has driven in 31 runs in 26 games.
- We may have reached the “and they never looked back” portion of this program.
- Bullpen a mess after two blown Craig Kimbrel saves – with Yankees in town next.
- AL’s No. 2 team ERA (3.08) clashes against No. 1 OPS (.773) in Baltimore.
- Impressive showing even if they should’ve won two of three against Atlanta.
- Alec Bohm’s 1.056 OPS makes lineup a real temple of doom.
- Gave up 30 runs in two games to Yankees.
- Center fielder TJ Friedl should start a rehab assignment this week.
- Cody…
