More than a month into the regular season, the reigning NL East champion Philadelphia Phillies find themselves in an unfamiliar spot: last place.

Off to a rough start, the Phillies, who have won the past five division titles, moved over .500 for the first time since Opening day by beating the Chicago Cubs 8-7. Roy Halladay won his first game in over a month and Carlos Ruiz had three RBIs in a four-hit game.

"It took us awhile to get back to .500," manager Charlie Manuel said. "Now, we have to stay there and move on."

The Phillies were expected to compete for the NL crown this season, but injuries and poor performances from key players have derailed their season so far.

Second baseman Chase Utley, a five-time All-Star, has yet to play a single game this year due to chronic knee injuries. Ryan Howard, the team's star first baseman, has also yet to see the field as he recovers from a torn Achilles tendon.

The players that have taken the field have not performed very well. Former Cy Young winner Cliff Lee has not won a game this season. With the win, Halladay improved to just 4-3 on the year.

One of the few exceptions is Ruiz. The catcher is batting .429 in the month of May with 17 RBIs in only 15 games. "I feel great," said Ruiz. "When you feel great at home plate, you're going to have a lot of good at-bats. I feel relaxed and I see the ball well."

Halladay was quick to give praise to his catcher. "To me he's the best catcher in the National League and we've said that for years," said Halladay. "Unfortunately, you've got to hit to get that notoriety and he's doing that now. Hopefully people take notice."

And the rest of the team is beginning to show some life. The Phillies have won six of their last seven games including five in a row. Their winning streak has moved them four games behind the first place Atlanta Braves.

The Phillies will continue to try to inch towards first place as they await the return of Utley and Howard, who have both made progress in their recoveries. Utley fielded ground balls for the first time this week and Howard has begun light running.

The Phillies begin a three game series Friday against the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park.