Avoiding spoilers: Phillies vs. Pirates series preview

After taking two out of three from a first place Orioles team, the Phillies will begin a stretch of less-imposing opponents. If they are serious about making the playoffs, the Phillies will need to rack up wins in the coming weeks, and it starts with their cross-state rivals who have fallen off after a hot start to the season.

Pittsburgh Pirates

Record: 45-57, Fifth place in National League Central (11.5 games back)

The manager

Derek Shelton took over the Pirates in 2020, and the team had a ghastly .317 winning percentage in the shortened season. The next two seasons, the Pirates lost 100+ games. And if the team continues its recent trajectory, there’s a chance they might make it three in a row…