Just a few weeks ago, the Philadelphia Phillies appeared to be playing for little more than respectability after a disastrous start to the 2026 season.
Climbing back into the National League East race seemed unlikely, particularly with the Atlanta Braves holding what looked like a commanding division lead.
But after making a change at the helm, the Phillies have rapidly chipped away at the division deficit, putting themselves back into contention as the season enters its second half. Meanwhile, the Braves have struggled to retain their own momentum as their hated division rival catches up.
“The Braves had a 10 ½-game lead as late as May 22,” Matt Snyder wrote for CBS Sports. “They were still up eight games through June 13. Since then, the Braves have gone 3-9. Uh oh.”
Philadelphia Phillies Skipper Don Mattingly Sends Atlanta Braves Message As Division Lead Shrinks
The Phillies’ surge combined with the Braves’ decline has suddenly created a captivating National League East division race where there once seemed little competition to be had.
“It’s helped out that the Braves’ early season dominance has somewhat faltered, with Atlanta posting a 9-13 record so far in June,” Lochlan March wrote for The Philadelphia Inquirer. “But the Phillies have managed to capitalize, and a chasm that seemed insurmountable a month ago is shaping into a race again, with two series remaining between the teams in September.”
As the gap narrows, Mattingly was asked about how he sees the competition with the Braves, and he sent a message meant to demonstrate that he’s more focused on his own team.
“I wasn’t really looking at Atlanta,” Mattingly said, per March. “I was looking more at us getting back to .500 at first, then to five (games over .500), and then trying to get to 10, and now trying to get to 15, and wherever you end up landing is where you land, but obviously you want to win the division. But still day to day, and so much baseball to be played.”
Philadelphia Phillies Focus On Themselves As Atlanta Braves Stumble
Mattingly’s comments reflect the approach Philadelphia has taken throughout its turnaround under his leadership. Rather than chasing Atlanta directly, the Phillies have concentrated on stacking wins and gradually improving their position in the standings.
And as that strategy coincides with a difficult stretch for the Braves, it is making the National League East division race one of the more compelling second-half storylines in all of baseball.