Sometimes we get so focused on our own bubble we don’t pay attention to the outside world.
That can cause us to lose perspective and not see the forest for the trees. So, for a moment, let’s zoom out. While the Phillies have had a dizzying 2026 season thus far, they are not the only National League team to go through its own series of ups and downs.
The Atlanta Braves, for example, are suddenly struggling once again. After beating the Mets last Wednesday, August 12, they were up 9 1/2 games in the NL
East. This week, they lost a series against the Diamondbacks and were swept by the Twins in Minnesota.
Out of the blue, the Braves’ lead over the Phils is just 4 1/2 games. While it’s unlikely the Phillies will catch them and win the division, the fact it’s suddenly a horse race once again is staggering. But Atlanta has not been immune to slumping, as evidenced by their 9-14 record in June. They are only 9-8 in August.
But the biggest surprise in baseball right now are the struggles of the Dodgers, MLB’s Evil Empire, the unstoppable behemoth whose financial dominance undoubtedly means they will never not win a World Series ever again.
While it’s fair to continue calling them the favorites to win it all, things are not going at all well in Los Angeles. They are 8-10 in August, thanks mainly to a three-game sweep of the Rockies in Colorado. Prior to that, the Dodgers had lost 10 of their last 15.
As it is, L.A. has been just a .500 ballclub since July 1 (21-21). During that time, they are just 17th in runs scored, 18th in OPS, and 20th in OBP. Their starting rotation’s 4.02 ERA is 14th over that stretch, while the bullpen’s 4.60 ERA is 23rd.
Off the field, the future of the franchise is clouded in uncertainty. Owner Mark Walter is currently being investigated for alleged tax fraud among his insurance companies, and reports indicated he is trying to raise as much money as possible to rectify his financial issues. He’s already sold his majority stake in the Los Angeles Lakers less than a year after buying it, and is reportedly preparing to sell his stake in the Chelsea Football Club. A sale of the Dodgers could affect the team’s ability to continue funding their massive payroll long-term, but likely doesn’t have much impact this year.
Still, the distractions cannot be helpful for a team trying to do something that hasn’t been done in nearly 30 years.
As I mentioned on my latest Hittin’ Season podcast, powered by WHYY, there’s a reason no team has won three straight World Series titles since the 1998-2000 Yankees.
It’s been a nightmare season for free agent outfielder Kyle Tucker, who is hitting just .232 with 11 HRs in his first season in L.A.
Will the Dodgers recover and go on another run? It’s certainly possible.
Right now, they look human. And that opens a window of opportunity for a Phillies team that is playing as well as it has all season.
