50 Tests: Analysis of the current situation of the Phillies who lead the National League after seven consecutive wins

Despite the ups and downs of the season, the Phillies (32-18) finished their first 50 games with the best record in the National League. A 2-0 win away at Colorado Rocky on Thursday afternoon extended the team's winning streak to seven games and completed back-to-back sweeps, now one win ahead of the Dodgers, who are at the top of the National League West table, and two games ahead of the Mets in the National League East.

After 50 trials, let's examine this League of Nations powerhouse in three key areas – the starting rotation, the bullshed and the attack.

First shift
There's no doubt that the Phillies have been the biggest highlight of the team's first 50 games. Even as Aaron Nola struggles and is on the injury list with a sprained right ankle, the depth of the rotation is the highest in recent years.

Zack Wheeler (5-1, 2.67 ERA, WHIP 0.89) is once again in the National League Young Debate. New signing Jesús Luzardo (5-0, 1.95) is making history starts. Cristopher Sánchez (4-1, 3.10 ERA) has been impressive after overcoming the injury gloom. Ranger Suárez – who scored a 6.2-innings clean sheet win on Thursday – is gradually finding his form after a five-week absence with a back injury.

In addition, Taijuan Walker has a 2.97 ERA for seven starts, and Mick Abel proved that he is capable of making a game with a shocking major league debut. No. 1 rookie Andrew Painter is about to increase his ball count to 80-85 in the Triple A and is still on track to land in Philadelphia "around July".

If all the players are healthy and don't use a six-man rotation, the arrival of Pointe will cause sweet troubles. Philadelphia management insists the superstar won't play a bullpen role, and the same is true for Suarez — at least for now.

Cowshed layout
The struggles of the bullpen at the start of the season are fresh in my mind, and when it seemed like it was on track, José Alvarado was suspended for another 80 games. Since there have been few high-leverage situations in the near future, it is still unknown how to fill the gap.

One thing is certain: when Nora returns, Walker will return to the barn and be stationed for a long time. "Even if we need to start on an interim basis, we're going to look for another guy," said coach Rob Thomson, "and keep Walker healthy in the barn." I'm looking forward to seeing how he performs on the pitch and see if his power improves. "

Walker will be temporarily assigned to the mid-game task and will be able to move up to key positions if he continues to play. Despite his small sample size, he has a strikeout rate of 37.5 percent, a 4.2 percent drive rate and an opponent batting average of just 0.182 in two back-up appearances (six innings) this season.

In the short term, Philadelphia will rely on right-handed Orion Kerkering and left-handed Tanner Banks to build bridges to Matt Strahm and Jordan Romano. In the long run, the starting depth can be exchanged for reinforcements in the cattle shed, and it may also allow Suarez and others to transfer in October.

"Obviously it depends on the situation," Suare, who is in contract year, admitted, "it's tough." I always want to be a starter, but I'm willing to do anything to fight for the team. "

Offensive evolution
April's sluggish start to the season has caused concerns: Alec Bohm is sluggish to get into form, Bryce Harper is not at his prime, Trea Turner lacks long play... These are now a thing of the past.

Bohm has batted 0.327 in his last 30 games, Harper has 26 hits and 14 hits (0.538) during his last seven consecutive wins, and even 7-9 batters have contributed with a batting average of 0.264 (second in MLB) and 0.723 OPS (fourth in MLB) before Wednesday's game.

The Phillies hit just 21 home runs in their first 25 games and averaged 4.4 points per game to 13-12. In the past 25 games, he has scored 32 hits, averaging 5.3 points per game and winning 19 wins and 6 losses. Since May, the team has improved its batting percentage of 0.280 (second in MLB), 0.340 on base (joint second), and 0.789 in OPS (fourth).

"A virtuous cycle of throwing and hitting is forming," Suarez concluded, "and with this rhythm, we will be invincible." "