Philadelphia is 87-74 entering Sunday, one game ahead of Arizona (86-75), which holds the tiebreaker. A Phillies win over Tampa Bay or a Diamondbacks loss to San Diego would clinch the final NL playoff spot; Philadelphia has lost four straight and been outscored 23-3.
Arizona had trailed Philadelphia, Chicago and San Diego by four games with five to play on Tuesday and was in danger of elimination as early as Wednesday. The Diamondbacks won three of their next four games, while Philadelphia lost twice to Milwaukee and twice to Tampa Bay.
Zack Wheeler is set to start Sunday's game, and Philadelphia activated Jesús Luzardo to be available from the bullpen. Aaron Nola pitched one inning on two days' rest in the 12-1 loss to Tampa Bay, allowing four hits and three runs. The final wild-card qualifier will face Atlanta in a series beginning Tuesday.
