PHILADELPHIA -- Charlie Manuel has not been in a Phillies uniform in a Phillies dugout since he managed his final game for the organization on Aug. 14, 2013.\n\nHe will return to the dugout on Wednesday, exactly six years later.\n\nManuel replaced John Mallee as hitting coach on Tuesday. The Phillies hope he helps the offense unlock its potential in the season’s final 43 games as it tries to secure an NL Wild Card spot. Fans are pumped. A few “We want, Charlie!” chants broke out before
But the Phillies are placing their bets on the offense coming to life and carrying them to the postseason for the first time since 2011.\n\nThey really have no choice.
“I'll say that we need contributions from every corner of the organization and every portion of our Major League team,” Phillies manager Gabe Kapler said. “At the same time, if we are going to make the kind of run that we think we're capable of, it's going to be because we score runs. We have a chance to limit damage. We have a chance to stay in baseball games. But the strength of our team right now is our offense. It hasn't been where it's needed to be thus far this season. But we certainly have the talent, and guys with the track record and a bench that's deeper now than it has been.\n\n“Of course, we can get some strong performances from starting pitching. And we saw our bullpen take good care of us tonight. At the same time, the reason that we're going to get there is because we're going to swing the bats well.”\n\nIt makes sense. Other than
That group includes