We've certainly had our share of key injuries, maybe more, but yes, every team has some hard luck story or two.
I do think this team can turn it around, and get back into the playoff circle. They seem to have more grit than recent teams, 2021 notwithstanding.
The pitching, as always, will be the key. Both the rotation and the pen, have fallen off a cliff and need to get back on track. Maybe the arrival of Garcia, Sims and maybe later, Hendriks, Priester and Slaten/Martin will provide the boost we need.
Of course, our offense has to keep hitting, and be more consistent, but that is a given. Despite the metrics showing otherwise, our defense looks slightly better to me than it was in April. (O'Neill has not.)
If I had to make a prediction, 83-84 wins seems about right.