Todd Zolecki:

There are no quick fixes or magic buttons to press. The Phillies simply have to cross their fingers and hope for the best.

It is not reassuring for a team with the third-highest payroll in baseball, but that is reality. The Phils enter Friday’s series opener against the Reds at Citizens Bank Park with a 17-21 record and in last place in the National League East. They have lost seven of their last nine games, which includes three shutout losses. They have been inconsistent in every facet of the game, which explains why only the 16-27 D-backs and 14-27 Astros have been outscored more than them this season.

Thanks, Rube.