Whether Phillies fans are optimistic or pessimistic, uncertainty is the reason, and general manager Matt Klentak despite a statistical mountain cannot address every shortcoming as if the pennant is at stake.

Emergent July:

For the Philadelphia Phillies, the 21-21 record against wild-card and divisional contenders was proof of passing the toughest test encompassing a quarter of 2018’s schedule. But keep in mind, although the red pinstripes have a 1.5-game lead for the second wild card, making an acquisition this month could decide that berth.

IN OTHER WORDS: “I think it’s much more interesting to live not knowing than to have answers which might be wrong.” – Richard P. Feynman

To some fans, Vince Velasquez with a 4.69 ERA and Nick Pivetta with a 4.66 ERA are not equal. They believe Velasquez should be in the bullpen, while Pivetta is the three-slot hurler and the reason to pick up a rotation veteran. But which one has a future?

Firstly, Velasquez’s ERA is deceiving because one outing was 3 2/3 innings with 10 runs (earned): They kept him in despite two frames and five runs (earned) and pushed for five innings. In his prior six starts, however, he had been 3-2 with a 2.14 ERA and then went 1-1 with a 3.86 ERA for four games.

Regarding Pivetta’s 3.26 ERA before June, he followed that with three straight clunkers, two decent performances and a debacle: 0-4 with a 7.71 June ERA. But two decent starts out of his last three and Velasquez on the disabled list are his opportunity for redemption. So, what is another option? The pen!

However, if Velasquez needs more than 10 days, right-handers Drew Anderson on June 8 or Enyel De Los Santos on the 10th could pitch. On the other hand, if Pivetta doesn’t rebound, he, De Los Santos or Anderson could secure the ninth.

While pitching help could come from the Triple-A Lehigh Valley IronPigs, the Phils don’t have a bat to advance like Rhys Hoskins last August. Presently, the parent club has a second baseman, a left fielder, a center fielder and a first sacker in the first four holes of the order. But the other spots are still up for grabs.

As for run production, the hometown nine need Maikel Franco or an addition to hit fifth behind Carlos Santana. Hurlers now can pitch around Santana to avoid damage.