Story perspectives

Phillies Earn First Winning Record Since April, Spur Sweep.

5/19/2026

Summary

Phillies Surge

The Philadelphia Phillies (USA) posted a 24-23 record on May 18, their first winning mark since April 7 after a 15-4 surge under interim manager Don Mattingly.
They swept the Pittsburgh Pirates, winning five straight series and finishing with a 6-0 victory on May 18.
Bryce Harper posted a 190 wRC+ with five homers; Kyle Schwarber led MLB with a 227 wRC+ and 11 homers since April 28.
Zack Wheeler returned with a 1.99 ERA and 24 2/3 strikeouts in 38 2/3 innings.
Christopher Sanchez posted a 0.59 ERA over his last four starts, lowering his season ERA to 1.82.

Summary

Harper DH Switch

Don Mattingly rested Kyle Schwarber for the May 18 home game against the Cincinnati Reds.
Bryce Harper shifted to designated hitter and opened the lineup without playing first base.
Alec Bohm moved to first base, batted third and kept his eight-game hitting streak.
Andrew Painter started as a rookie right-hander to build consistency after a brief encouraging outing.
Nick Lodolo returned from the injured list, creating a left-handed matchup for Philadelphia.

Summary

Wheeler Fastball

Don Mattingly missed Saturday’s game to attend his son Trevor’s Purdue graduation.
The Phillies rose four spots to No. 12 in USA TODAY Sports’ rankings after sweeping Pittsburgh.
Zack Wheeler’s fastball rose 1.9 mph as he mixed a 96-mph four-seam with an 81-mph curve for 13 whiffs.
Trea Turner urged focus on the front of us as Paul Skenes gave up a career-high five runs in 5 + innings, ending his 20-inning scoreless streak.

History

Historical Context

Bill James’s runs created formula was revised in 2002 to correct overestimates for power hitters. Building on that, weighted runs created plus (wRC+) adjusts runs created for ballpark and era, giving a league-average of 100. The Philadelphia Phillies now rely on wRC+ values, guided by interim manager Don Mattingly, to shape lineups and roster moves.

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Phillies Surge

The Philadelphia Phillies (USA) posted a 24-23 record on May 18, their first winning mark since April 7 after a 15-4 surge under interim manager Don Mattingly.
They swept the Pittsburgh Pirates, winning five straight series and finishing with a 6-0 victory on May 18.
Bryce Harper posted a 190 wRC+ with five homers; Kyle Schwarber led MLB with a 227 wRC+ and 11 homers since April 28.
Zack Wheeler returned with a 1.99 ERA and 24 2/3 strikeouts in 38 2/3 innings.
Christopher Sanchez posted a 0.59 ERA over his last four starts, lowering his season ERA to 1.82.

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