PHOENIX — Larry Bowa taped a lineup card to a cement wall inside the Phillies’ clubhouse Sunday morning, and the eight names listed were another reminder of how far this team must advance before it can contend. The eight starters owned these on-base percentages: .143, .299, .347, .317, .280, .293, .333, .263. Just two, Aaron Altherr and Andrew Knapp, were above the National League baseline of .324.
The Phillies make outs at a more frequent rate than all but two teams in the league. They are at a great disadvantage because of that. A 2-1 loss to Arizona in 11 innings provided more evidence.