There is only one way for the Philadelphia Phillies to turn their season around.
Win.
Seems easy in nature, but the Phillies are currently staring down the barrel of a five-game losing streak.
The Phillies' offense has not produced, their pitching staff has been unable to keep the team in games, and the defense has largely been sloppy.
One great week can turn an 8-13 record into a .500 or better mark as April draws to a close. The big question remains: can they pull it off?
On Monday evening, Aaron Nola (1-1, 4.03 ERA) takes the mound for the struggling Phillies. He will be opposed by Colin Rea (2-0, 3.63 ERA), who pitched six innings following an opener against the Phillies last Tuesday.
For his career, Nola is 4-1 in seven career starts at Wrigley Field. He has allowed seven home runs in 43 innings of work, which notably is an area of weakness in his game.
Like most Nola outings, the key will be to keep the ball in the park. He has allowed just one home run total in his last three outings and three overall in 2026.
In a ballpark where wind always plays a factor, the veteran must deliver his season's best on Monday night.
Tuesday will see Jesus Luzardo (1-3, 7.94 ERA) against Shoto Imanaga (1-1, 2.45 ERA). Luzardo allowed eight earned runs against the Cubs in his last start, while Imanaga allowed just one. These two will have a rematch of their outing at Citizens Bank Park.
On Wednesday, the Phillies will use Taijuan Walker (1-3, 9.16 ERA) in a bulk role, opting for an opener in that game. Trying to minimize Walker's struggles in the first inning, the Phillies hope this change of pace will give them a better chance at winning. He will be opposed by Matthew Boyd (1-1, 6.75 ERA).
In the series finale on Thursday, the Phillies will send their ace, Cristopher Sanchez (2-2, 1.59 ERA), to the mound. Sanchez will be opposed by Edward Cabrera (2-0, 2.38 ERA). Sanchez picked up a win against the Cubs to open their series, the last game the Phillies have won.
After being swept by the Atlanta Braves, the Phillies are now 6.5 games back of first place in the National League East.
Atlanta will take on the Washington Nationals this week before hosting Philly this upcoming weekend.
The current discussion is whether or not Rob Thomson's job is on the hot seat in Philadelphia.
While I do not expect the Phillies to move on from their skipper, the more the team loses, the more that idea carries water.
If the Phillies do decide to make a drastic move of this nature, do not expect Don Mattingly to assume the role. Mattingly made it very clear he does not have interest in managing anymore. Additionally, with his son Preston being a highly ranked executive within the front office, there could potentially be an awkward feeling that illuminates over the team moving forward.
I would expect Howie Kendrick, the former big league infielder, to take over.
Kendrick often spends time in the lockerroom and dugout with the players, serving as a special assistant to the general manager. He began this role back in 2021, and those in baseball circles view him in high regards.
However, if the Phillies can pick up a series win in Chicago, Thomson will continue to manage his club for the foreseeable future.
