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After coming just two wins shy of a World Series title, the Philadelphia Phillies have gotten off to a mediocre start in the 2023 MLB season. 

They're 26-32 in the National League East, seven and a half games back of first place and 4-6 in their last ten games. They entered Saturday having lost five straight, starting a three-game series at Washington with an 8-7 loss. 

On Saturday, they were able to pull out a 4-2 victory. 

Outfielder Bryce Harper missed substantial time recovering from Tommy John surgery. Phillies starting pitchers are struggling to make it through five innings. The team is in similar straits as last year at this time when manager Rob Thomson assumed the role.

In 2023, who can take the blame for the same situation?

With the consistent pitching issues, pitching coach Caleb Cotham should be under scrutiny. 

The staff is supposed to be led by right-handers Zack Wheeler (4-4, 4.33 ERA, 1.21 WHIP) and Aaron Nola (4-4, 4.70 ERA, 1.13 WHIP), both of whom have had down years. 

Nola especially has been dreadful and could be on the trade block if Philadelphia falls further out of contention by the MLB trade deadline. 

The Phillies have never been above average in team ERA under Cotham. But the starting rotation and bullpen are more talented this season than it has been in the other two years of his tenure, yet the team ERA at 4.66 is the highest it's been in recent seasons.

President of Baseball Operations Dave Dombrowski could also be held accountable for the offseason moves that the Phillies made that haven't yet lived up to expectations.

Right-hander Taijuan Walker, signed to a four-year, $72 million contract in December, has a 5.65 ERA in 12 starts.

Shortstop Trea Turner was brought on to bolster the lineup on an 11-year, $300 million contract. In year one, he’s a career .298 batter that’s currently hitting .235.

Thomson is not without blame. Thomson took over last season when the team was in a similar position, but turned things around and led his club to a World Series appearance. It's his job to get his guys to perform, this hasn't happened yet.

It's not easy to pinpoint a single point of blame but starting with the front office and staff may be the place to start. 

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