PHILS TURNER BETTER START LIVING UP TO HIS CONTRACT — SOON!

By Sam Bush

Last June 3, the Phillies were mired at 22-29, so they replaced manager Joe Girardi with Rob Thomson.

The Phils went on a late-season rush and made the playoffs and the World Series, two games short of the MLB crown.

And now?

Here’s The Athletic’s Jim Bowden’s take:

16th in MLB Phillies
Record: 25-29
Run differential: -40

I’m not sure if the Phillies are dealing with a World Series hangover or what but this team is much better than its record.

Aaron Nola (4.59 ERA) has not pitched up to his standards and Taijuan Walker (5.57 ERA) has been a disappointment after signing for $72 million.

The offense certainly misses the 30-home run bat of Rhys Hoskins, who is out for the year with a torn ACL.

Early trade deadline take:

They need to add a starting pitcher and need Trea Turner to start living up to his contract, which I think he will.