The Philadelphia Phillies are preparing for their upcoming playoff run after winning the National League East division for the first time since 2011, leading to a first-round bye. They will face the winner of the Wild Card series between the New York Mets and Milwaukee Brewers on October 5. To stay sharp during their time off, players will participate in a blend of workouts and simulations, including intrasquad matchups with elements meant to replicate real-game conditions. Manager Rob Thomson is employing strategies to ensure players maintain their competitive edge despite the layoff.

By the Numbers
  • The Phillies achieved their first NL East title since 2011.
  • Their playoff opener is set for Saturday, October 5.
Yes, But

Despite the benefits of rest and home-field advantage, prolonged downtime could disrupt player timing, which has been a concern raised by other teams following their experiences after similar breaks. The Braves have noted these impacts in their recent playoff exits to the Phillies.

State of Play
  • The team will conduct a mix of batting practices using high-velocity machines to simulate real pitching.
  • They will play an intrasquad game on Wednesday incorporating crowd noise and umpires to mimic game day experiences.
What's Next

The Phillies are optimistic about their strategies to maintain readiness, aiming to avoid the pitfalls of a lengthy layoff. They believe their innovative training methods will keep the team sharp for their first playoff series.

Bottom Line

The Phillies are taking proactive steps to ensure they remain competitive following an extended break, underlining the importance of adapting training to mitigate the risks associated with time off ahead of critical playoff games.