Photo: Kyle Ross/Icon Sportswire

Here are the current MLB division leaders and how they rank in Defensive Runs Saved.

You’ll notice that one is far removed from the others here.

The Phillies, who just jumped ahead of the Mets for the NL East lead this week, rank 29th among teams in Runs Saved.

It looked like the Phillies had made considerable strides defensively last season. The primary starters on the right side of the infield—Bryce Harper at first base and Bryson Stott at second—were Gold Glove finalists and the numbers backed up their legitimacy, as well as that of another finalist, left fielder Brandon Marsh.

The Phillies have gotten negative Defensive Runs Saved from every position other than left field (which is at 0). That includes first base and second base where Harper and Stott are slightly below average (-2 Runs Saved apiece). They are the worst team in terms of effectiveness turning double plays. Only one team rates worse in Outfield Arm Runs Saved. Only one rates worse in our pitch-framing stat, Strike Zone Runs Saved. Only one team has done worse in value from defensive positioning.

The Phillies are not bereft of good defenders. Max Kepler has a good history in left field and has 3 Runs Saved there this season. Pitchers Taijuan Walker and Zack Wheeler have 3 and 2 Runs Saved, respectively. But there are 17 players with negative Runs Saved.

So how are the Phillies managing to be so good without having a good defense?

It’s simple. They don’t let opponents hit the ball. They lead the majors in strikeout percentage.

They also outhit their mistakes. They rank 7th in the majors in runs per game. And they’ve won the close games. They’re 9-3 in one-run games.