Overview
- The Phillies beat the Tampa Bay Rays 7-3, which on Sunday clinched the National League’s final Wild Card spot and ended the Arizona Diamondbacks’ late playoff push.
- Interim manager Don Mattingly delivered an expletive-filled locker-room message after the win that players and reporters framed as a mix of relief and motivation.
- Zack Wheeler started Game 162 and allowed one earned run over six innings, a performance that helped clinch the spot but complicates his availability to start the opening Wild Card game.
- Philadelphia’s finish followed a late slump that included a 12-1 loss to the Rays the day before and capped a season-long recovery that began after Rob Thomson was fired and Mattingly took over.
- Next steps for the club include naming a short-series rotation and managing pitcher rest — decisions that will affect who opens against the Braves and could shape Mattingly’s case to remain manager.