The Philadelphia Phillies have officially secured a spot in the MLB playoffs, even after losing to the Kansas City Royals on Sunday. Their ticket to the postseason was punched thanks to the Los Angeles Dodgers’ 10-2 win over the San Francisco Giants.
Despite clinching a playoff berth, the Phillies were unable to lock up the NL East title just yet. That would have required both a Phillies win and a New York Mets loss — but the Mets snapped their eight-game skid with a walk-off victory over the Texas Rangers, delaying the division crown for Philadelphia.
Next up, the Phillies face the Dodgers in a three-game series starting Monday, a matchup with big playoff implications. Philadelphia currently holds a 4.5-game lead over L.A. for the National League’s second seed, a key position that grants a first-round bye. The Phillies are also navigating several injury challenges, including the absence of ace Zack Wheeler (out due to thoracic outlet surgery), suspended reliever Jose Alvarado, and injuries to key infielders Trea Turner (hamstring) and Alec Bohm (shoulder).
“We all know what’s on the line,” said Phillies slugger Kyle Schwarber. “But we just have to play our game and stay focused.”
The Phillies are the second team to clinch a playoff spot this season, following the Milwaukee Brewers. The Dodgers, Cubs, Tigers, and Blue Jays are also close to punching their tickets as the postseason approaches.