Barring an unforeseen collapse, the Philadelphia Phillies will win the National League East. They have the chance to end the race next week with their four games at home vs. the New York Mets. They currently sit as the number two seed in the National League playoff standings, three games ahead of the Los Angeles Dodgers. With the Dodgers having played below average ball as of late, Philadelphia has a first round bye in their sights. However, would the Phils be better off avoiding the week of rest?
Their own history suggests yes. Since Major League Baseball permanently instituted the Wild Card round in 2022, the Phillies have played in the first round twice and had the bye once. We know the results. They made the World Series in 2022 and the National League Championship Series in 2023. Last year, the team had the #2 seed and lost in four games in the Divisional round to the New York Mets. In 2023, a pair of Wild Card teams, the Texas Rangers and the Arizona Diamondbacks, met in the World Series. Each season, at least one team that plays in the first round eventually advances to the League Championship Series. There is something to be said for teams that continue to play as opposed to sitting for a week in between games.
With all that being said, and with all of the information I provided above, I would still want the bye. Last year’s World Series teams, the Los Angeles Dodgers and the New York Yankees, were the top seeds in their respective leagues. Should the Phillies secure a first round bye, I am sure they can draw on lessons from last year’s loss. Anything from a different workout routine during the time off to bullpen usage in the week leading up to the bye will be examined. I can’t imagine Philadelphia getting bounced early two years in a row. They are too talented and are playing good baseball. Caitlyn is the one that needs to be convinced their season won’t end early.
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