Phillies drop 10th straight for longest losing skid since 1999

The Philadelphia Phillies' losing streak has reached 10 consecutive games following Friday's 5-3 loss against the Atlanta Braves.

Philadelphia's winless skid is the franchise's longest since an 11-game losing streak in 1999. The club has suffered only five losing streaks of 10 or more contests since 1972.

The two-time defending NL East champions were expected to be a World Series contender again this season. However, the club sits last in baseball with an 8-18 record and an MLB-worst minus-53 run differential, despite having one of the highest payrolls. The team could be in jeopardy of missing the playoffs for the first time since 2021 if the year doesn't turn around.

Zack Wheeler will make his season debut Saturday with the club's skid on the line. The three-time All-Star hasn't pitched since last August after undergoing shoulder surgery for venous thoracic outlet syndrome.

The Phillies' core is led by two-time NL MVP Bryce Harper, reigning NL MVP runner-up Kyle Schwarber, Trea Turner, J.T. Realmuto, Cristopher Sánchez, Jesús Luzardo, Jhoan Duran, Aaron Nola, and Wheeler. The club has plenty of talent but several players are in their early-to-late mid-30s.