The Philadelphia Phillies have made the postseason five consecutive seasons, been in two World Series in that time, and won one of them.

This year, they are off to a rocky start; they're last in the NL East and have the second-fewest runs of any team in baseball.

So the news that outfielder Hunter Pence had to miss Monday's game with a shoulder injury cannot be good for the team. Todd Zolecki:

Pence injured his left shoulder diving for a ball in the third inning in Sunday's series finale against the San Diego Padres at Petco Park. John Mayberry Jr. was the right fielder for Monday's series opener against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Chase Field.

Phillies general manager Ruben Amaro Jr. said Pence is day to day.

"It is what it is," Pence said. "I'm not in there today."

Pence said he does not know the severity of the injury.

"I haven't got the full diagnosis, so we're not sure yet," he said. "It is what it is. I'm not in there today."

Both Amaro and Pence said, "It is what it is." Therefore, that must be what it is. Neither man sounds too happy about it, and they probably shouldn't be. Pence was in an 0-for-15 slump before the injury; maybe the rest will help. Or not. The Phillies have to be worried about the direction this season is taking.