Philadelphia Phillies “spoiler alert” for Sept.1: If you want to know the additional players for the active roster, general manager Matt Klentak was somewhat specific: The total will be in the 30-to-39 range.

September’s calling:

Philadelphia Phillies fans, what were your expectations in April, and what are they now? Yes, the division crown is a worthy goal –still quite possible– but achieving it for the first time without some ups and downs along the way isn’t realistic.

IN OTHER WORDS: “I’ve failed over and over and over again in my life and that is why I succeed.” – Michael Jordan

For the last few Augusts, the faithful have anticipated top prospects making their major league debut in the final month. Not 2018! Those current and future regulars are completing their first full campaign for the red pinstripes with different degrees of success.

For fans who only see the Phils’ shortcomings, every National League franchise in ’18 has underachievers, injuries and question marks on their active 25. Yes, they are facing the same pressure to win, and their supporters sound just like the locals here in Philly. Translation: Enjoy having a chance instead of none.

From Klentak’s perspective, identifying the club’s weaknesses and possible solutions is now turning to in-house remedies. And the GM will use the expanded roster for the bench and bullpen.

While performance is always a consideration, the exec has more interest in recent production rather than overall statistics. In other words, having a hot first half before going cold only works for a center fielder who can go in either direction at the drop of a chapeau. Yeah, gold locks!

Management will favor versatility with postseason rosters in mind. So, a recent acquisition and a promoted or reactivated player may force his way into Klentak’s plans for October. Of course, later call-ups will also provide new energy.

To say the roller-coaster ride into September has been unusual is to understate the adventure –or lack thereof. Well, the hometown nine went from 3.5 back to first place for a long spell and back down. The daily highs and lows resemble an upside-down U! Will that change?