Updated through the games of 8/18
There are 35 games left in the 2026 regular season. With a record of 69-58, the Phillies would be in the playoffs if that carnival started today. It’s close though, very close. Far closer than it has any business being, but here we are. Let’s take a look at what is in store for the next 6 weeks.
Monday, August 17 at 6:40p – Cristopher Sanchez v Janson Junk (R)
Citizen’s Bank Park – Philadelphia, PA
Tuesday, August 18 at 6:40p – Zack Wheeler v TBA
Wednesday, August 19 at 6:05p – Aaron Nola v Sandy Alcantara (R)
Standings
- NL East
- Braves: 74-52
- Phillies: 69-58 (5.5 games back)
- Wild Card
- Cubs: 73-53
- Phillies: 69-58 (+3)
- Padres: 68-59
- Diamondbacks: 66-61 (2 games back)
- Cardinals: 65-62 (3 games back)
- Marlins: 64-63 (4 games back)
Tie Breakers
In the NL East, the tiebreaker is simple. Whoever has the better head-to-head record wins. So far this year, the Phillies and Braves have squared off six times with the Braves winning five of those contests. That’s not good! Since these rivals played their first two series back in April (when the Phillies were garbage), naturally their last two series should come in September, right? There will be four games in Philadelphia from the 4th to the 7th followed by three in Atlanta the following weekend, September 11 to the 13th. The Braves just need to win two out of the last seven to take the season series. Of course, the only real way for the Phillies to make a run in the division anyway would be by taking as many of these games as possible, so the tiebreak is only relevant if the Phillies can take it to the Braves head-to-head.
The Wild Card situation is much more fun (even if it is agonizing). If it’s only down to two teams, then it is head-to-head record. The Phillies have kicked the snot out of the Padres this season, winning all six matchups. That’s a done deal. As for the Diamondbacks, the teams played back in April with Arizona winning two of three in Philadelphia. The teams play again in Arizona from August 31 to September 2. Should the Phillies win two out of these three games, the next level of tiebreak is their record within their own division. Currently, the Phillies are 19-17 vs the NL East while the Diamondbacks are 12-13 vs the NL West. Where it gets fun is if there is a three-way tie. In that case, the combined head-to-head records decide. The Phillies 6-0 record against the Padres will be doing some heavy lifting there. San Diego and Arizona have split their ten meetings so far with a final series in San Diego set to end the season.
The Phillies have won the season series with the Marlins by being the first to reach 7 wins despite the ugly sweep in Miami last month. The tiebreak with the Cardinals will be all tolled by Sunday as they finish their season series with St. Louis currently up two to one.
Schedules
Phillies: I’m not going to sugar coat things, the September schedule for the Phillies sucks. After having things relatively light for the rest of August against four non-playoff teams (Marlins, Cardinals, Mariners, and Angels), the gauntlet of the Diamondbacks, Braves x2, Astros, Brewers, and Rays begins. There are six games away against division foes and wannabe-spoilers the Mets and Nationals as well. One possible reprieve is that since the season ends against Milwaukee then Tampa, those teams could be looking to rest and set their rotations for the playoffs.
Padres: After an absolute dud of a first half where their offense couldn’t do a thing, San Diego has caught fire in the second half and are currently 17-5 over their last 22 including a sweep of the Brewers. Other than a trip to Tampa in two weeks and home against the Yankees after that, things are pretty easy for the Fathers with several last place teams on the slate including the Mets, Reds, Giants, and Rockies.
Diamondbacks: Arizona has things more balanced, alternating between contenders and cellar dwellers. The Red Sox are up first but then the Reds. Cubs, then Giants. Phillies and Astros followed by the Royals and Rangers. Then finally the Marlins, Yankees, Rockies, and Padres to end the season.
Braves: The reason the NL East is still up for grabs is that the season does not end kindly for Atlanta. Not only did they lose two of their off days thanks to earlier rainouts, but they run the gauntlet of division leaders and playoff chasers. They travel to face the White Sox for one this week sandwiched between road series against Minnesota and Milwaukee then they play the Dodgers at home. The real test though comes from September 4th through the 16th when they face the Rays, Cubs, and Phillies twice with no off days. That’s rough.
Injuries
Phillies: The Phillies injury situation is an odd one. Caleb Killian has (likely) joined Adolis Garcia and Brad Keller in being out for the season while Tanner Banks and Rafael Marchan should be back at some point in the next month. Then there is top prospect Aidan Miller who has missed the entire season with a back injury. He underwent a procedure at the beginning of June that had an expected 6-8 week recovery window. It has now been nearly 11 weeks and nothing. I think it’s safe to assume his 2026 is done.
Braves: The pitching depleted Braves should be getting A.J. Smith-Shawver back pretty soon after undergoing TJ surgery last summer. That’s a decently short recovery period, but the Braves need him because the updates on the rest of their injured arms aren’t great. It had been hoped that Spencer Schwellenbach would make it back this season, but it isn’t looking good. Same with Spencer Strider and Hurston Waldrep though both have at least started a throwing program. Robert Suarez hasn’t pitched since June and has already had one setback in his return. He is about to give it another go though. Reynaldo Lopez hurt his knee at the beginning of August but there has been no update as to his return.
Padres: The Padres should be getting reinforcements very soon with Joe Musgrove nearing a return almost two years from his last MLB start. Lucas Giolito and Jason Adam could be joining him soon after as they are both throwing and nearing rehab starts. Nick Pivetta on the other hand, walked off the mound in disgust after his last start thinking he re-injured his elbow and there has been no word since. Ramon Laureano and Yu Darvish will not be returning this season.
Diamondbacks: Arizona has a slew of long-term injuries that they hoped would be ready for the stretch run, but it’s a mixed bag. While A.J. Puk and Ryne Nelson are probably not coming back, relievers Blake Watson and Justin Martinez are almost ready to return from TJ surgery, and starters Zac Gallen and Corbin Burnes could return just in time for the playoffs if all goes well. Jordan Lawler should return soon from a hamstring strain that has kept him out since June.
Photo: SportsLogos.Net
Injury news and standings: MLB.com
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