The 2020 Philadelphia Phillies season is the 138th season in the history of the franchise, its 17th season at Citizens Bank Park, and the first season under new manager Joe Girardi. The Phillies will aim to improve from their 81–81 record last year and make the playoffs for the first time since 2011. On March 12, 2020, MLB announced that because of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the start of the regular season would be delayed by at least two weeks in addition to the remainder of spring training being cancelled. Four days later, it was announced that the start of the season would be pushed back indefinitely due to the recommendation made by the CDC to restrict events of more than 50 people for eight weeks. On June 23, commissioner Rob Manfred unilaterally implemented a 60-game season. Players reported to training camp onJuly 1 in order to resume spring training and prepare for Opening Day on July 24.
Season standings
National League East
National League Wild Card
Record vs. opponents
Game log
Roster
Season summary
July
The Phillies dropped their home opener, 2–5, against Marlins but was highlighted by shortstop Didi Gregorius' home run. The team rebounded with a 7–1 victory the next day powered by Gregorius' second home run and designated hitter Phil Gosselin's 2-home run performance to give pitcher Zack Wheeler the victory in his Phillies' debut. The Marlins won the rubber match, 11–6, as the Phillies left the bases loaded 3 times in the latter half of the game.
COVID-19 outbreak
The Marlins' opening day catcher Jorge Alfaro was placed on the injured list after testing positive for COVID-19 earlier in the day. First baseman Garrett Cooper and outfielder Harold Ramírez also tested positive for COVID-19 shortly thereafter. Two days later prior to the final game of the opening series, Marlins' pitcher José Ureña tested positive for COVID-19 and was scratched from his start. Following the game the Marlins delayed their flight back to Miami due to concerns of an outbreak. On July 27, the Marlins' home opener against the Baltimore Orioles was postponed amid reports that eight new players had tested positive for COVID-19. Reports stated that 11 Marlins players and two coaches had tested positive. MLB also postponed the Phillies' next game against the Yankees as the Yankees would be using the same clubhouse as the Marlins. The Marlins remained in Philadelphia pending further testing. On July 28, sources reported that at least four more members of the Marlins had tested positive for COVID-19. In five days, the Marlins had a total of 17 people test positive for the virus. On the same day, the MLB announced that the Marlins and Phillies seasons would be put on hold and their opponents' schedules adjusted. The Phillies' home-and-home series with the New York Yankees was postponed due to the COVID-19 outbreak. The July 31 game with the Toronto Blue Jays was also postponed and rescheduled as an August 1 traditional doubleheader. However, on July 30 after an unnamed coach and Phillies' clubhouse worker tested positive, the Blue Jays series was postponed.
