Phillies Make Ugly Franchise History Through 59 Games

As shared by John Stolnis on X, the Phillies have a combined batting average of .224 through the first 59 games of the season. That is the lowest batting average this many games into a season in franchise history.

The previous low was in 1941 when they hit .226. In 1970, they had a batting average of .228. In 1960 and 1971, both teams had a .230 batting average through the first 59 games of those respective campaigns.

One thing all of those teams had in common: they didn’t sniff the postseason. The most victories any of those underwhelming offensive teams had was 73 in 1970. In 1971, they won only 67 games, while 47 victories were had in 1961 and the team won only 43 games in 1941.

This year’s Philadelphia squad has the luxury of being supported by a dominant pitching staff. Sanchez and Zack Wheeler are arguably the best one-two punch in baseball, anchoring the starting rotation.

Jesus Luzardo has performed like an ace at points this year, while Andrew Painter has been serviceable with J.T. Realmuto behind the plate. Aaron Nola has struggled, but signs of being productive have flashed.

As long as they keep producing, the team will hang around the playoff picture in the National League. But the offense has to pick things up to take some pressure off the pitching staff as the calendar flips to June.

The only batters performing at an above-average level are first baseman Bryce Harper, outfielder Brandon Marsh and designated hitter Kyle Schwarber. They are the only three positional players with an OPS+ in triple digits, with 100 being average.

Their OPS+ numbers are 137, 125 and 154, respectively. The next highest is center fielder Justin Crawford and second baseman Bryson Stott, who are tied with 76.

That level of production with the bats is just not going to cut it if the Phillies want to have any chance of making some noise in the postseason.

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