Phillies Striking Fear in Potential Playoff Opponents for This Reason

The Philadelphia Phillies are coming off a four-game series with the Atlanta Braves that saw them split the contests, keeping pace in the National League East division.

Philadelphia sits four games back of the Braves for the division, but there is still some hope that they can catch them. The two teams will play another series against one another this weekend, a three-game contest in Atlanta.

But even if the Phillies can't win the division, they are in a good spot to make the playoffs as a wild-card team. Philadelphia is one of the best teams in baseball, and assuming that they get into the playoffs, they could be a tough out for anyone.

Part of this is due to their strong starting rotation, who can compete with any team in baseball when they are firing. The Phillies brass understood that pitching wins in October, and the front office made it a point to build a legitimate rotation.

ESPN MLB insider Bustler Olney discussed the Phillies following their massive win over the Braves. Olney revealed that multiple teams are scared of Philadelphia in the postseason due to their incredible starting rotation.

"Teams are scared to death about playing the Phillies in a postseason series, a short series, because they would have to face [Zack] Wheeler and [Christopher] Sanchez, and yes, Jesús Luzardo," Olney said.

Cristopher Sanchez is one of the best pitchers in baseball, earning some Cy Young buzz this season. Sanchez is a true ace, and he is the head of the snake for the Phillies rotation.

But guys like Zack Wheeler and even Aaron Nola can make a big difference for this team. However, many have counted out Jesus Luzardo, who has been one of the best pitchers in baseball for a while.

Luzardo threw his first complete-game shutout on Monday against the Braves, helping the Phillies get the massive win. But since August, he has recorded the lowest ERA and most strikeouts among qualifying starting pitchers.

The left-hander has pitched 50 innings, while striking out 64 batters over this stretch. Luzardo has posted a 1.08 ERA and a 0.80 WHIP, showing dominance out on the mound.

His performance should scare the rest of the league, and if the Phillies get into the playoffs, they could make a lot of noise. This rotation is legit, and no team will want to face them when the games get tighter.