To win a World Series, there are several important factors. Momentum tends to be the primary factor, but health may arguably be equally important.
The Philadelphia Phillies have aspirations of hanging a banner and winning the 2024 World Series. Despite having dealt with numerous injuries to key players during the season, the Phillies are about to be as healthy as can be with a week remaining in the regular season.
Philadelphia is activating outfielder Austin Hays before Tuesday's clash with the Chicago Cubs, per Matt Gelb of The Athletic.
Hays was a trade deadline acquisition for the Phillies. Despite struggling to get much going at the plate, Hays is an outstanding fielder.
Throughout his career, Hays has committed just six errors in 599 career games, 508 of them starts.
That should be a welcomed addition to the Phillies outfield. Philadelphia is in the middle of the pack, ranking 13th in Major League Baseball in fielding percentage.
The Phillies lineup is loaded with talent. Bryce Harper, Kyle Schwarber, Trea Turner, Alec Bohm, Nick Castellanos, Brandon Marsh, and J.T. Realmuto already make up arguably the scariest lineup in baseball. So, even if Hays continues to struggle at the dish, as long as he remains a stud defensively, his return is a win.
But it is also possible Hays will improve the Phillies lineup.
Through his three full-time seasons with the Baltimore Orioles (2021-2023), Hays hit 54 home runs, 97 doubles, and drove in 198 runs.
The Phillies are still looking to lock up home-field advantage throughout the playoffs. They are 93-64, a half-game behind the Los Angeles Dodgers. However, they own the tie-breaker.
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