John Middleton trusts Phillies’ pitching to fuel World Series run

Key Points:

• John Middleton, Phillies owner who witnessed the 1964 collapse as a child, watched nervously as his team nearly blew a four-game wild-card lead in the 2026 season’s final days but ultimately clinched a postseason spot with a 7-3 win over Tampa Bay.
• Key players Zack Wheeler, Kyle Schwarber, and Bryce Harper delivered crucial performances in the clinching game, helping the Phillies avoid a historic late-season collapse.
• Manager Don Mattingly, who took over midseason and led the team to a 79-55 record, remains interim amid speculation about possible replacement by Alex Cora, though Middleton expressed full confidence in the current leadership and baseball operations president Dave Dombrowski.
• Despite consistent postseason appearances over the past five years, including a 2022 World Series loss and recent early exits, Middleton is optimistic about the Phillies’ pitching staff and overall team potential to contend for a championship in 2026.
• The Phillies begin their postseason run against the Atlanta Braves, with Middleton praising their pitching depth and expressing confidence that the team’s talent and recent form provide a strong foundation for playoff success.