The Philadelphia Phillies were eliminated from National League East contention Saturday when a loss to the Atlanta Braves allowed the Braves to clinch the division title. Sunday’s loss to the Braves altogether eliminated the Phillies from postseason contention, extending the club’s postseason drought to seven years.
Since the All-Star Break, Gabe Kapler’s squad is 10 games under .500. Much of the team’s second-half swoon can be contributed to young talent that wasn’t ready to come of age in time to capture a very winnable National League East.
This upcoming off-season may prove to be the defining one of general manager Matt Klentak’s tenure.