Phillies Cliff Notes for the 2023 MLB playoffs this Red October
It's OK, you can admit it — you're not a baseball fan.
The season is too long. The game is antiquated. Even after all the new rules to speed up the game, it still feels like three hours of your life you won't get back. To you, Red October is a submarine from a classic movie.
But, you love Philadelphia. You want to root for the home team and see the community come together over something. You loved the lovefest in the City of Brotherly Love last October. And, you kind of want to fit in and not sound like a jamoke at the water cooler.
We hear you, so here's the Phillies Red October Cliff Notes to help you get through the postseason.
How are the Phillies different from last season?
Every team goes through some changes during the offseason. The Phillies biggest move was signing Trea Turner to an 11-year, $300 million contract. Bryson Stott moved to second base to make room for Turner and Jean Segura, the Phillies' second baseman from last season, signed with Miami — the team Philadelphia is facing in the Wild Card Series. Segura was traded to Cleveland for Josh Bell and then released by the Guardians.
Why is Bryce Harper at first base instead of Rhys Hoskins?
Hoskins, a big part of the Phillies offense last season, suffered a torn ACL in his left knee during spring training and hasn't played all season. Harper, who had Tommy John surgery on his right elbow last November, surprised many by returning the the field in May as a designated hitter. The outfielder started playing first base in July and has taken over the position.
As for Hoskins, he threw out the first pitch before Game 1 and, according to a tweet on X, formerly known as Twitter, by Scott Lauber of the Philadelphia Inquirer, he is working out at the Phillies spring training complex to get ready in case he is needed. However, he wouldn't be able to help until the World Series.
Did the Phillies have an easy time making the NL playoffs?
It's a 162-game season; it's never easy. Such was the case for the Phillies.
After a slow start to the season that saw them sitting at 25-30 and fourth place in the National League East, the Phillies took off. They were 18-8 during June and moved to 43-38 and third place in the NL East. Baseball is full of ebbs and flows, but since May there have been a lot more flows.
Did the Phillies win the NL East?
No, the Atlanta Braves won the division by 14 games. The Braves had the best record in baseball with 104 wins. Philadelphia finished with 90 wins.
How did the Phillies get in the playoffs?
Both the American and National League playoffs consist of three division winners and three wild-card teams. The wild-card teams are the three best teams in the league that did not win their division. In the Phillies' case, the Atlanta Braves — who have the best record in baseball — won the National League East. Philadelphia, though, has the best record of non-division champions and is rewarded with the top wild-card spot.
How important is it for the Phillies to play at Citizen Bank Park?
Home-field advantage is always important in the postseason. For the Phillies, it's huge. The Phillies went 49-32 at Citizens Bank Park this season. The Phillies outscored opponents by 83 runs throughout the season. The amount was their best mark at home since they outscored opponents by 114 runs at home in 2011. Of their 26 home series this season, the Phillies won 17 of them.
Are the Phillies favored to win the World Series?
Here are the latest odds to win the World Series according to foxsports.com.
- Atlanta Braves: +260 (bet $10 to win $36 total)
- Los Angeles Dodgers: +410 (bet $10 to win $51 total)
- Houston Astros: +480 (bet $10 to win $58 total)
- Baltimore Orioles: +700 (bet $10 to win $80 total)
- Philadelphia Phillies: +1200 (bet $10 to win $130 total)
- Tampa Bay Rays: +1200 (bet $10 to win $130 total)
- Texas Rangers: +1800 (bet $10 to win $190 total)
- Minnesota Twins: +1800 (bet $10 to win $190 total)
- Toronto Blue Jays: +2000 (bet $10 to win $210 total)
- Milwaukee Brewers: +2000 (bet $10 to win $210 total)
- Arizona Diamondbacks: +4000 bet $10 to win $410 total)
- Miami Marlins: +5000 (bet $10 to win $510 total)
What time is the Phillies game today?
Phillies' wild-card schedule
- Game 1: Philadelphia Phillies 4 - Miami Marlins 1
- Game 2: Miami Marlins at Philadelphia Phillies on Wednesday, Oct. 4 at 8:08 p.m. ET
- Game 3*: Miami Marlins at Philadelphia Phillies on Thursday, Oct. 5 at 8:08 p.m. ET
(∗= if necessary)
What channel the Phillies game is on?
- Game 2: ESPN, 94 WIP
- Game 3*: ESPN, 94 WIP
(∗= if necessary)
What's next if the Phillies win against the Marlins?
First, there's a superstition that says you never say if, during the playoffs, it's when. Be positive! Have faith in the Fightin' Phils!
So, when the Phillies advance, they will face the NL East champion Atlanta Braves. That won't be an easy task for the Phillies. Atlanta won the season series 8-5 and outscored the Phillies 74-58. Atlanta will also have home-field advantage, meaning three games of the best-of-five series will be played in Atlanta. But you never know, win one in Atlanta, and with a little Philadelphia Red October magic. Hey, the Phillies eliminated the Braves last season and who knows what will happen.
