The Phillies don’t have a major upgrade. They don’t have Bo Bichette, with whom they were close to a deal before the Mets swooped in with more money on a shorter, opt-out-laden deal.

With the trade deadline finally in the rearview mirror, the Phillies can singularly focus on themselves. They have a new closer, and Jhoan Duran is one of the most dominant relievers there is.

PHILADELPHIA — The fabulously flailing Phillies hit home Monday night armed with their manager’s cool clarification on why his team has gone ultra-cold. Seems like Rob Thomson’s response had a ...