The Philadelphia Phillies had one of the finest records in the National League just two weeks ago. However, the club is currently struggling after losing nine of their past ten games, including five in a row. The team’s 2-1 loss to the Pittsburgh Pirates, who are currently in last place, on Sunday highlighted a downward trend that has sparked severe concerns about the team’s future and manager Rob Thomson’s leadership.
Ace Returns to the Mound To Rescue the Phillies
Zack Wheeler, the Phillies star pitcher, was removed from the paternity list on Monday. However, his reinstatement might be the first of many adjustments required to halt the bleeding.
With a 2.16 ERA in 12 starts this season, Wheeler is one of the few dependable pillars in a squad currently beset by inconsistency. Wheeler’s presence on the field has long offered stability for the squad. For a team in dire need of answers, his comeback couldn’t come at a better time.
Phillies reinstated RHP Zack Wheeler to the active roster.
RHP Daniel Robert was optioned to Lehigh Valley (AAA).
— Jeff Skversky (@JeffSkversky) June 9, 2025
The Phillies have appeared to be totally out of sync, especially offensively. The lineup has struggled to string together decent at-bats and has not produced consistently over their recent 10-game slide. The most recent example was Sunday’s defeat to Pittsburgh, as the bats were once again silenced, unable to score on infrequent scoring opportunities and displaying little fight against outstanding pitching.
The loss of Bryce Harper, whose absence in the center of the order has left a noticeable hole, has also coincided with the recent downturn. But the team’s problems are more than just losing a standout player to the injured list; they also show a general lack of drive and focus, with no obvious strategy in place to reverse the downward trend.
After Sunday’s loss, Thomson was asked about possibly calling a team meeting. His response?
“We’ll see,” he said, twice, offering little assurance to fans who have watched their division-leading team plummet to 4.5 games behind the surging Mets. The quote has sparked frustration among the fanbase and media alike. In a moment that called for leadership, Thomson instead delivered ambiguity.
Phillies are 1-9 in their last 10 games. They’ve scored exactly 1 run in 4 of their last 5. They’ve been swept on back-to-back weekends.
Time for a team meeting?
“We’ll see.”
Lineup changes?
“We’ll see.”
On where the Phillies go from here:https://t.co/Fwp1sqT09E
— Paul Casella (@Paul_CasellaMLB) June 8, 2025
Offense Has No Response to Skid
Offensive struggles are spreading like wildfire through the lineup. Bryson Stott is hitting just .190 since May 1. J.T. Realmuto’s average is down to .223. Philadelphia has the worst combined batting average in MLB at second base, left field, center field, and catcher since the start of May, according to Paul Casella of MLB.com.
Meanwhile, the Phillies starters, including Cristopher Sánchez and Ranger Suárez, have turned in solid outings only to be let down by a lifeless offense.
Wheeler’s return provides hope, but one arm alone cannot right this ship. As calls for a shakeup grow louder, the Phillies must find their identity again, or risk watching a promising season unravel completely.