Say this for Phillies general manager Matt Klentak: He’s ready to buy.
But at what cost?
Klentak always figured he’d be able to draw more definitive conclusions about his young team after a stretch of 42 consecutive games against clubs that are or were expected to be playoff contenders. The Phillies went 21-21 in those games, including five wins in seven games against the Washington Nationals. And with 20 of the next 23 games against teams with losing records, it’s unlikely the Phillies will fade away in the division or wild-card races, especially if they get help from their GM.