Five big questions facing the Phillies entering the second half

Rhys Hoskins and Odubel Herrera are focal points of the Phillies offense. But the club is looking to add another hitter before the July 31 trade deadline.The pennant race begins right now.

For the first time since 2011, the Phillies will emerge from the all-star break with a legitimate chance to reach the postseason. How legitimate? Consider this: With a 53-42 record through 95 games, they can go only 34-33 the rest of the way and still finish with 87 wins, the same total as three of the last four National League wild-card teams.

The Phillies are in first place in the NL East, a half-game ahead of the Atlanta Braves and 5 1/2 in front of the heavily favored Washington Nationals. But can they…