Philadelphia clinches a playoff berth thanks to Dodgers’ big win over San Francisco, vaulting them into a guaranteed spot even as they chase the NL’s No. 2 seed. With Zack Wheeler sidelined, Jose Alvarado suspended for playoffs, and Trea Turner and Alec Bohm dealing with injuries, the Phillies’ path to rest-of-season success hinges on depth and timely performances as they head into a pivotal series with Los Angeles.

Milwaukee had already punched their ticket, while the Dodgers, Cubs, Tigers and Blue Jays remain in prime position to join the field this week, reshaping fantasy rosters and betting angles as the postseason picture crystallizes.

Phillies battle Dodgers in a tense pennant race as Zack Wheeler ends his season injured. Suárez and Sánchez carry the playoff load, while free‑agency questions loom: can Philadelphia keep both Schwarber and Suárez after 2025? Schwarber’s MVP‑caliber bat makes offense a priority, so the front office may weigh losing Suarez against keeping Schwarber. Dave Dombrowski is expected to be aggressive in the winter, potentially chasing cheaper starting options if Suarez departs.

Beyond 2025, the Phillies’ rotation integrity hinges on who they can re-sign and who they can replace. With Wheeler sidelined, the mix of Nola, Sánchez, Painter, and external targets will define 2025’s championship window. The Dodgers remain a competitive counterpoint in the NL, heightening the urgency for smart moves in the offseason.

Aaron Nola delivered his best start of 2025, six shutout innings against the Mets in a 1-0 Phillies win, boosting Philly’s playoff push as the NL East magic number shrinks to 11. Nola’s rebound comes after a rough run and an IL stint, a development Philly desperately needed with Wheeler sidelined. Across town, Vic Fangio praised Nola in a notable cross-sport nod from Philadelphia, adding buzz for fantasy managers watching the rotation. Schwarber’s looming free-agent chatter also threads through the narrative.