Wed Sep 24 04:00:00 UTC 2025: ## Phillies Aim to Clinch Wild Card Bye, Harper Sidelined with Illness
**PHILADELPHIA, PA -** The Philadelphia Phillies have a golden opportunity to secure a bye in the Wild Card series today, September 23rd, needing a victory against the Miami Marlins and a Los Angeles Dodgers loss to the Arizona Diamondbacks to seal the deal.
Hoping to lead the charge from the mound is Cristopher Sanchez, who has emerged as the Phillies’ ace since Zack Wheeler’s season-ending injury. Sanchez boasts an impressive 13-5 record with a 2.66 ERA and is on the cusp of a major milestone, needing just two more strikeouts to reach 200 for the season.
The Phillies, currently holding a 92-64 record with six games remaining, are aiming to surpass their 95-win total from last season. Meanwhile, the Marlins (76-80) are fighting for a chance to finish the season with a winning record.
However, the Phillies will be without first baseman Bryce Harper, who is sidelined with an illness. Manager Rob Thomson expressed uncertainty about Harper’s availability, stating, “I’m not sure if he’ll be available (Sept. 23). I don’t know when he’ll be available.”
There is some positive news on the injury front. Shortstop Trea Turner, currently on the injured list with a hamstring injury, is making progress. He recently hit live pitching and ran the bases at 70-75% speed. Thomson is optimistic Turner can be activated during the upcoming weekend series against the Minnesota Twins, the Phillies’ final series before the playoffs.
In addition, backup infielder Edmundo Sosa, recovering from a groin strain, could be activated as early as September 24th if his pregame workout goes well.
The Phillies hope to capitalize on this opportunity and enter the playoffs with momentum.
*Martin Frank, Delaware Online/The News Journal, contributed to this report.*
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