The NL Playoff race is heating up as the regular season ends this weekend. After the Cubs and Padres clinched, the Philadelphia Phillies are next in line.
That is, if they can fend off the Arizona Diamondbacks, per ESPN. According to the NL Wild Card standings, the Phillies (87-72) have a two-game edge over the Diamondbacks (87-75). Philadelphia is closing out the regular season in a three-game series against the Tampa Bay Rays.
Meanwhile, the Diamondbacks will play a three-game series against the Padres.
Here's the scenario: The Phillies need to win two games over the Rays and have the Diamondbacks lose two games to clinch. Coversley, the Diamondbacks need to sweep the Padres in three straight games, and the Phillies need to lose three straight games to clinch.
Article Continues BelowHowever, Philadelphia may be without All-Star infielder Luis Arraez. On Thursday, he had to leave the game against the Milwaukee Brewers with a sprained ankle. However, X-rays were negative, and he will be on a day-to-day basis at this point.
This season has been a bumpy ride for the Phillies. They started the year at 9-19 and then their manager Rob Thomson fired. Afterward, Don Mattingly was promoted as interim manager, and things began to turn for the better.
Bryce Harper and Kyle Schwarber were a dynamite duo at the plate. Starting pitcher Aaron Nola found his stride. Now, the Phillies are knocking on the door of October.
The Phillies will begin their series against the Rays on Friday. The MLB Playoffs will begin on Tuesday, Sept. 29.

