Mets and Phillies Kick Off 2026 MLB Second Half with ESPN Broadcast The New York Mets and Philadelphia Phillies will open the 2026 Major League Baseball second half with a high-stakes matchup at Citizens Bank Park on Thursday, marking the return of the league after the All-Star break. The game, originally scheduled for 7:10 p.m. ET, has been rescheduled to 6:10 p.m. ET due to air quality concerns in Philadelphia. It will serve as the lone contest on the day’s slate and kick off a three-game series between the NL East rivals. The broadcast will be exclusively available on ESPN, with fans able to catch all the action live. The Phillies, who have been in stellar form since dismissing manager Rob Thomson on April 28, enter the second half tied with the Milwaukee Brewers for the best record in MLB at 45-24. Their success has been driven by a formidable starting rotation featuring All-Star pitchers Cristopher Sánchez and Jesús Luzardo, as well as a resurgence from Zack Wheeler. The team’s offense has also stabilized, with Kyle Schwarber leading the league in home runs (32) and Bryce Harper delivering a strong campaign. These efforts have positioned the Phillies to secure a Wild Card spot and remain just two games behind the Atlanta Braves for the NL East division lead. In contrast, the Mets face significant challenges as they enter the second half with a 40-57 record, placing them far out of the National League playoff picture. Their performance between now and the August 3 Trade Deadline will be critical in shaping the club’s future plans, as the team shifts its focus toward building a competitive roster for the 2027 season. Despite their struggles, Juan Soto has continued to perform at an elite level since recovering from early-season injuries.#mlb #espn #new_york_mets #philadelphia_phillies #citizens_bank_park
Chase Burns to Miss All-Star Game After Groin Injury Chase Burns, the 23-year-old Cincinnati Reds pitcher, will not participate in this year’s All-Star Game following a groin injury sustained during a recent matchup against the Philadelphia Phillies. The decision to withdraw from the event, scheduled for July 14 in Philadelphia, was made by Burns himself after he informed Reds manager Terry Francona of the injury on Friday. Francona shared that Burns expressed concern about risking further harm by playing, stating, “He just said, ‘I am just worried about doing something I shouldn’t do.’” The injury occurred on Wednesday during the second inning of the game. Burns was covering home plate when a wild pitch from Phillies’ Justin Crawford allowed the runner to advance. Despite the injury, Burns continued to pitch for an additional three innings, helping the Reds secure an 11-5 victory over the Phillies. In a post-game interview, Burns described the experience as challenging, noting, “I think adrenaline got me through it. The next day, it was just tight.” He acknowledged the physical discomfort but emphasized the importance of prioritizing his health for the remainder of the season. Burns admitted the decision to skip his first All-Star appearance was difficult, particularly given his excitement about being selected. However, he stressed that the risk of exacerbating the injury outweighed the personal disappointment. “It was a tough decision,” he said. “I am very thankful to be selected and stuff, but I kind of had a tough play at the plate against the Phillies and the groin kind of got tight. I think it’s just a mature decision to prioritize the second half of the season and not mess it up anymore.#philadelphia_phillies #cincinnati_reds #chase_burns #terry_francona #all_star_game
Zack Wheeler Declines Late All-Star Invite After Feeling Disrespected by Process DETROIT — Zack Wheeler was left off the National League All-Star roster. Then he was asked to go anyway. Wheeler said Friday that he was invited as a late addition to the All-Star Game but declined, saying he felt disrespected by the way the process played out. Wheeler entered the weekend 9-1 with a 2.28 ERA and 98 strikeouts in 87 innings, a first-half résumé that made the initial omission sting even more. “Because they disrespected me,” Wheeler said. “So I’m just not gonna participate in that thing.” Wheeler said he was asked Friday night before the Phillies opened their weekend series against the Tigers. By then, his decision had already been made. “I’m not gonna be the fifth option,” Wheeler said. Philadelphia Phillies Find the latest Philadelphia Phillies news, highlights, analysis and more with NBC Sports Philadelphia. Before Ricky Bottalico was a Phillies voice, 1996 All-Star Game gave him a mic Phillies select Tyler Spangler, a ‘total package' shortstop, in MLB draft Dodgers left-handed starter Justin Wrobleski was added to the roster. The frustration stems from Wheeler being left off the original NL team despite a first half that placed him among the league’s best starters. It was the latest step in a comeback that has turned into one of the more impressive individual stories of the Phillies’ season, and across the league. Wheeler underwent thoracic outlet surgery last year after a blood clot was discovered in his right shoulder. He lost weight, rebuilt strength and pushed through a long rehab to return as one of the sport’s most effective pitchers. Wheeler said he did not need that comeback story to factor into the All-Star decision.#philadelphia_phillies #cristopher_sanchez #zack_wheeler #national_league_all_star_game #philadelphia_phillies_clubhouse
Zack Wheeler Declines All-Star Game Invite: 'Not Gonna Be Disrespected' Philadelphia Phillies right-hander Zack Wheeler refused an invitation to the National League All-Star Game after being approached as a replacement player, citing feelings of disrespect over his exclusion from the initial roster. The 36-year-old pitcher, who had already made his decision, criticized Major League Baseball’s rule that bars pitchers from starting on the final Sunday of the first half of the season from participating in the All-Star Game. Wheeler expressed frustration over being left off the original list, which he described as a “fifth choice” and a sign of being “disrespected.” Wheeler, who underwent thoracic outlet surgery last season and missed the start of this campaign, returned to form after being activated on April 25. He has since posted a 9-1 record with a 2.28 ERA and 98 strikeouts across 14 starts, including a standout performance on July 7 against the Cincinnati Reds. In a 4-1 Phillies victory, he tied his career high with 14 strikeouts, a display he described as one of his best of the season. Wheeler linked his decision to decline the All-Star bid to the frustration of being excluded from the initial selection process. “I felt like that was kind of a reminder for whoever needs to be reminded,” Wheeler said, adding that the rule—“just because I pitch on a certain day, I get punished for it”—felt unfair. He emphasized the importance of All-Star recognition for pitchers, noting that the honor carries weight beyond the season, influencing legacy and post-retirement perceptions. “Guys do take a lot of pride in having the All-Star next to your name,” he said. “During your career and after your career. And people who build them stuff after your career might look at that, too.#philadelphia_phillies #major_league_baseball #citizens_bank_park #zack_wheeler #national_league_all_star_game
Zack Wheeler Rejects All-Star Game Invite After Snubs: 'Not Gonna Be the Fifth Option' Philadelphia Phillies ace Zack Wheeler said he declined an invitation to join the National League All-Star roster, expressing frustration over being overlooked multiple times. The veteran right-hander, who has been a dominant force for the Phillies this season, stated he felt "disrespected" by the selection process and chose not to participate in the event. Wheeler, who did not make the initial NL All-Star roster and was also omitted from a list of replacement additions, described his decision as a rejection of what he called a "fifth option" role. Wheeler, 36, emphasized that his issue was not with the All-Star Game itself but with the way Major League Baseball (MLB) handled the selection process. "Maybe I didn't earn it from the get-go, but maybe just second choice," he said. "Once I feel like they kind of messed that up, I'm out." His comments came after he was invited by MLB on Friday to replace an injured player but refused, stating he would not accept a backup role. The 9-1, 2.28 ERA pitcher, who has made 14 starts for the Phillies this season, highlighted his strong performance as a reason for his All-Star candidacy. Despite missing the first month of the season recovering from thoracic outlet surgery, Wheeler has returned to form, posting a 0.91 WHIP, a 4.3 WAR, and striking out 98 batters over 87 innings. His recent outing against the Cincinnati Reds, where he tied a career-high with 14 strikeouts, underscored his dominance. Wheeler’s frustration with the selection process was amplified by his exclusion from the initial roster and the replacement list. "They disrespected me, so I'm just not going to participate in that thing," he said, according to NBC Sports Philadelphia.#philadelphia_phillies #major_league_baseball #national_league #zack_wheeler #citizen_s_bank_park
Philadelphia Phillies Defeat Kansas City Royals 6-1 in Dominant Performance The Philadelphia Phillies secured a decisive 6-1 victory over the Kansas City Royals on Saturday night, fueled by a stellar performance from starting pitcher Jesús Luzardo and a trio of home runs from J.T. Realmuto, Gabriel Rincones Jr., and Alec Bohm. Luzardo, who improved to 7-4 on the season, dominated the Royals lineup through the first three innings, striking out nine batters and allowing just one earned run on four hits. His control and precision were evident as he issued only one walk, showcasing his ability to limit damage against a formidable opponent. Luzardo’s outing marked another strong showing in a recent stretch of dominance. Over his last 10 starts, he has allowed fewer than three earned runs in nine of them, helping lower his ERA from 5.77 on May 8 to 3.75. The Phillies have now won eight consecutive games started by Luzardo, a testament to his consistency and the team’s ability to capitalize on his pitching. His performance was particularly effective against the Royals’ All-Star selection, Michael Wacha, who struggled to contain the Phillies’ offense. Wacha, with a 5-6 record and a 5.40 ERA, faced challenges in the early innings. He escaped a chaotic first frame after throwing Bryce Harper’s checked-swing single down the right-field line and walking Bohm on 12 pitches to load the bases. Despite the tension, Wacha managed to avoid further damage, though his struggles continued as the game progressed. He allowed four runs on eight hits in six innings, striking out seven, but his inability to limit the Phillies’ power hitters proved costly. The Phillies broke the scoreless tie in the fourth inning when Realmuto launched a 399-foot line drive to left-center, giving the team a 2-0 lead.#philadelphia_phillies #kansas_city_royals #jess_luzardo #jt_realmuto #gabriel_rincones_jr
Shohei Ohtani's MLB All-Star Game Participation Uncertain After Schedule Adjustment Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts confirmed that Shohei Ohtani is unlikely to pitch in the 2026 MLB All-Star Game following a recent adjustment to his pitching schedule. Roberts stated that Ohtani’s new Friday night start against the San Diego Padres effectively rules him out of participating in the Tuesday, July 14, Midsummer Classic. While Roberts has not formally decided, he emphasized that the timing makes it “hard to imagine” Ohtani would be available for the event. Ohtani, who was originally scheduled to pitch Wednesday against the Oakland Athletics, had his start moved to Friday as part of a strategy to provide him additional rest. Roberts explained that the decision was made methodically to ensure Ohtani could recover and perform at his best. However, the manager noted that Ohtani’s recent performance has been subpar, citing issues with fastball command and the effectiveness of his sweeper pitch. “He hasn’t had his best stuff recently,” Roberts said, adding that Ohtani has increasingly relied on his splitter, a change from earlier in the season. Despite the rest plan, the Dodgers hope Ohtani will regain his form in time for a potential start on July 10. The All-Star Game, set to take place in Philadelphia, will feature Ohtani as a designated hitter (DH) starter, with Roberts managing the National League squad. The full rosters, including pitching staffs, will be announced Saturday during a FOX broadcast at 7:30 p.m. ET. Roberts also addressed the challenge of selecting a starting pitcher for the NL team, noting that several candidates may be unavailable due to their schedules.#shohei_ohtani #philadelphia_phillies #san_diego_padres #dave_roberts #oakland_athletics
El calor extremo en el este de Estados Unidos durante el fin de semana del 4 de julio de 2026 ha obligado a reevaluar las celebraciones tradicionales, con eventos cancelados, horarios modificados y medidas de seguridad implementadas. La ola de calor, que se prevé persistir hasta el viernes y afectar la Costa Este durante el fin de semana, ha generado preocupación por la salud de los ciudadanos y la seguridad de las actividades públicas. El Servicio Meteorológico Nacional advirtió que temperaturas récord, superiores a los 37 °C (100 °F) en ciudades como Filadelfia y Boston, junto con altos niveles de humedad, harán que la sensación térmica sea aún más peligrosa. En el noreste, se esperan temperaturas alrededor de los 30 °C (90 °F), lo que ha llevado a varias comunidades a ajustar sus planes. En Boston, el acceso al Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular se retrasó a las 4 p. m. en lugar del mediodía, mientras que en Filadelfia se acortó un desfile, se canceló una fiesta "totalmente estadounidense" y se pospusieron eventos en Independence Mall. En Pennsylvania, una celebración del 250 aniversario de la Independencia fue reprogramada para el 8 de julio, y en Norristown se canceló un desfile tradicional por razones de seguridad. La administradora municipal interina, Jayne Musonye, expresó decepción por la cancelación, destacando la importancia del evento para la comunidad. El Parque Militar Nacional de Gettysburg trasladó sus actividades al aire libre a espacios interiores, y Amtrak canceló algunas rutas de tren, incluida la Acela entre Boston y Washington, con posibles demoras hasta el sábado. El calor también afectó eventos culturales y deportivos.#zohran_mamdani #philadelphia_phillies #boston_pops_fireworks_spectacular #filadelfia #independence_mall
Zack Wheeler's Resilience Shines in Dominant Performance Despite Struggles Zack Wheeler delivered a masterclass in adaptability on Monday night, turning a shaky start into a dominant outing that underscored his reputation as a pitcher who consistently elevates his game under pressure. Despite struggling to locate his fastball early in the game and facing challenges with his breaking ball, Wheeler managed to pitch six scoreless innings, striking out nine batters while allowing just two hits. His performance highlighted his ability to thrive even when his usual tools aren’t fully dialed in, a trait that has defined his career. The game began with Wheeler clearly out of sync, as he failed to command his fastball in the first inning. Of his 11 heaters, five missed the strike zone, with three of those occurring in the first at-bat against Liam Hicks. Hicks, however, managed to work a single on the fourth fastball he saw, which was just slightly outside the zone. The struggles continued as Wheeler’s sweeper, a pitch he typically relies on heavily, performed poorly, with a chase percentage of 12.5%—his worst of the season. Against Otto Lopez, the pitch missed the zone badly, leading to a walk and two baserunners with just three strikes thrown. The turning point came in the third inning when Wheeler executed a well-placed splitter, a pitch he had reintroduced to his arsenal in 2024. The splitter, which he threw 18 times during the game, generated six swings and misses, including a critical strikeout of Kyle Stowers. This moment marked the start of Wheeler’s resurgence, as he gradually regained control of the game. By the end of the night, he had settled into his typical fastball command, using it in conjunction with the splitter to keep hitters off balance.#philadelphia_phillies #zack_wheeler #otto_lopez #don_mattingly #kyle_stowers
Zack Wheeler Isn’t Ready To Give Up His Ace Status Zack Wheeler has defied expectations by reaffirming his status as one of the Philadelphia Phillies’ most valuable pitchers despite lingering questions about his health and age. The right-hander, who was sidelined for much of the 2025 season due to venous thoracic outlet syndrome, has returned to form with a blend of resilience and adaptability, proving that his impact on the team remains significant. Wheeler’s 2025 season was cut short by the injury, which required surgical intervention and left him sidelined for a substantial portion of the 2026 campaign. The condition, which involves compression of blood vessels in the neck and chest, raised concerns about his ability to recover and maintain his previous level of performance. However, Wheeler has not only returned to the mound but has also managed to reclaim his role as a dominant force for the Phillies. The Phillies signed Wheeler to a five-year, $118 million contract before the 2020 season, a deal that was initially viewed as overpaying for a pitcher with a history of injury concerns. Yet, over seven seasons in Philadelphia, Wheeler has delivered a 2.85 ERA, cementing his reputation as one of the greatest bargains in franchise history. His 2025 season, though abbreviated, saw him finish with a 2.01 ERA in 62.2 innings pitched, striking out 62 batters while allowing just 5.5 hits per nine innings. These numbers underscore his continued elite performance, even as he navigates the challenges of his injury recovery. Wheeler’s return to the Phillies’ rotation in late April 2026 marked a critical turning point. Despite missing a month of the regular season, he quickly reestablished himself as a key contributor, showcasing his ability to adapt his game.#philadelphia_phillies #zack_wheeler #venous_thoracic_outlet_syndrome #cy_young_award #fangraphs
Zack Wheeler Returns to Form, Dominates Phillies' Rotation in 2026 Season When Zack Wheeler underwent his season-ending thoracic outlet decompression surgery in September 2025, the Philadelphia Phillies expressed confidence that the veteran right-hander would return to his pre-injury form in 2026. President of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski assured fans and analysts that Wheeler would "come back ... and be the Zack Wheeler of old," despite the surgery’s potential impact on his performance. However, the Phillies’ optimism was met with skepticism, as Wheeler’s return to the mound has exceeded even the most cautious expectations. Wheeler’s comeback has been nothing short of remarkable. After missing just under a month of the 2026 season due to the surgery, the 36-year-old right-hander has seamlessly reintegrated into the Phillies’ rotation. His early-season outings have silenced concerns about the surgery’s long-term effects or the underwhelming results from his April rehab starts. Through 10 starts, Wheeler has posted a 6-1 record with a 2.01 ERA, a figure that surpasses his previous best ERA in any 10-start span of his 12-year career. This performance is more than a half-run better than his second-best start sequence, which occurred in 2021 and 2024, when he posted a 2.52 ERA. What makes Wheeler’s resurgence even more impressive is his self-awareness. Despite his stellar numbers, the pitcher acknowledges that he has not yet reached his peak. In a recent interview, Wheeler admitted to experiencing "a few inconsistent starts in a row" and noted that his "command-wise" sharpness has not yet returned to his usual level. He pointed to his walk rate as a key area for improvement, citing three walks in two of his three starts this month.#mlb #philadelphia_phillies #dave_dombrowski #zack_wheeler #paul_casella
Phillies pitching coach on demoted Andrew Painter: ‘We're going to help him' The Philadelphia Phillies announced on June 18, 2026, that right-handed pitcher Andrew Painter had been optioned to Triple-A Lehigh Valley following a poor performance against the Miami Marlins. Painter, a 23-year-old rookie, was tagged for six runs in two innings during the loss, marking another setback in his MLB journey. The decision came after a string of struggles that included allowing 21 runs and seven home runs in 15 innings over his last four appearances. His overall 2026 season had been marked by a 7.06 ERA in 65 innings, with opposing batters hitting .404 (and a .660 slugging percentage) against his four-seam fastball, which he threw 33% of the time. His slider and sinker, thrown 21% and 11% of the time respectively, also faced significant success, with slugging rates of .302 and .364. The Phillies’ decision to demote Painter was met with cautious optimism from within the organization. General manager Dave Dombrowski emphasized that the move was intended to provide the young pitcher with the opportunity to refine his mechanics and improve his effectiveness. “He’s going to do the work,” Dombrowski said, noting that Painter would focus on adjustments to his delivery, particularly to reduce the extension that has plagued his mechanics. The goal, according to Dombrowski, is to help Painter “go more directly toward the plate on a consistent basis,” which he believes would enhance the movement on his pitches and improve his command. Pitching coach Caleb Cotham echoed this sentiment, acknowledging Painter’s dedication and the challenges he faces. “He’s worn down a little bit,” Cotham said, explaining that the pressure of performing at the major league level has taken a toll.#philadelphia_phillies #dave_dombrowski #andrew_painter #triple_a_lehigh_valley #caleb_cotham
Andrew Painter Demoted to Minor Leagues as Phillies Adjust Rotation Andrew Painter has been sent to the Lehigh Valley IronPigs to work on improving his fastball, which has struggled to overpower major-league hitters. The Philadelphia Phillies have not set a timeline for his return, with general manager Preston Mattingly emphasizing that the team will wait until Painter is ready to contribute. “We haven’t put a timetable on it,” Mattingly said on The Inquirer’s Phillies Extra podcast. “It’s TBD at this point when he comes back. But I think we all know as an organization that we’re going to need him.” As Painter remains sidelined, the Phillies must address the fifth-starter spot in their rotation. Starting pitching depth has been a long-standing concern, and the team lacks strong options in this area. To manage the transition, manager Don Mattingly has decided to slightly rearrange the rotation beyond co-aces Cristopher Sánchez and Zack Wheeler. Jesús Luzardo will move back one day to avoid overtaxing the bullpen, splitting Painter’s spot with Aaron Nola. The adjusted rotation for the upcoming series against the Washington Nationals will feature No. 5 starter on Monday, Luzardo on Tuesday, Nola on Wednesday, and Sánchez on Thursday. The fifth-starter role will be filled by one of three candidates: Bryse Wilson, Alan Rangel, or a bullpen opener. Wilson, who was called up to replace Painter on the roster, threw 29 pitches in two scoreless innings of relief against the Mets on Thursday. The 28-year-old righty has a 6.29 ERA in Triple-A but has allowed no runs in his last three starts. He has appeared in 164 major-league games, including 57 starts. Rangel, meanwhile, has been the most consistent starter in Lehigh Valley, posting a 3.#philadelphia_phillies #andrew_painter #don_mattingly #lehigh_valley_ironpigs #preston_mattingly
Jonathan Hernandez: Dodgers’ High-Velocity Bullpen Bet The Los Angeles Dodgers officially signed right-handed reliever Jonathan Hernandez to a major league contract, marking a strategic move to bolster their bullpen with a high-velocity arm. The 29-year-old righty joined the team after opting out of a minor league deal with the Philadelphia Phillies. The decision reflects a calculated risk by the Dodgers’ front office, aiming to add an explosive reliever to a bullpen that has faced significant strain throughout the season. Hernandez’s potential to thrive under the Dodgers’ development system has positioned him as a key piece in their plans for the upcoming stretch run. Hernandez’s journey to the majors is deeply intertwined with his father, Fernando Hernández, a former San Diego Padres minor league pitcher who spent 14 years chasing his baseball dreams across multiple leagues. Born in Memphis, Tennessee, Jonathan grew up following his father’s career, which took him from the United States to South Korea, Taiwan, and Mexico. Fernando’s brief Major League appearances with the Detroit Tigers in 1997 and his success as an ace in the KBO League laid the foundation for Jonathan’s own path. However, the young Hernandez initially aspired to be a shortstop, a choice his father gently redirected when he recognized his son’s physical potential. By age 12, Jonathan was pitching, setting the stage for a career that would eventually surpass his father’s achievements. Hernandez’s rise to prominence began with the Texas Rangers, where he emerged as a standout reliever. In 2020, he became a shutdown force in the late innings, posting a 2.90 ERA over 31 frames. His arsenal included a high-velocity sinker that routinely reached 98–99 mph and a sharp slider that generated strikeouts.#los_angeles_dodgers #philadelphia_phillies #texas_rangers #jonathan_hernandez #fernando_hernandez
Should the Phillies Begin Contract Extension Talks with Jhoan Duran? Jhoan Duran has been every bit the elite closer he was advertised as since joining the Phillies last year. In 40 appearances since the trade deadline, he is 27 for 30 in save opportunities with a 1.93 ERA and 0.96 WHIP. He has started 2026 strongly, posting a perfect 11 for 11 record in save chances and a 1.62 ERA through 17 appearances. Since returning from the injured list on May 5th, Duran has allowed two runs across 10 appearances, striking out 18 batters while walking five. His performance has established him as a key asset for the Phillies. Duran’s success has naturally led to discussions about a potential contract extension. He is currently under team control via arbitration through the 2027 season and will be eligible for free agency at age 30. His 2026 salary of $7.5 million represents an increase from the $4 million he earned in 2025. His lack of long-term security has reportedly influenced his decisions, including declining an invitation to pitch in the 2026 World Baseball Classic. Recent reliever deals provide a framework for evaluating a potential extension. Edwin Diaz signed a five-year, $103 million deal with the Mets prior to 2023, later opting out of the final two years of his contract to pursue free agency. He then agreed to a three-year, $69 million deal with the Dodgers, effectively extending his total earnings to $134 million over six years. Josh Hader signed a five-year, $95 million contract with the Astros in 2024, averaging $19 million annually. These examples suggest that closers of Duran’s caliber command contracts exceeding $20 million per season. If Duran continues his current pace, a five-year, $100 million+ deal appears likely.#new_york_mets #philadelphia_phillies #edwin_diaz #jhoan_duran #josh_hader
Phillies Face Shohei Ohtani and Dodgers in Apple TV Exclusive The Philadelphia Phillies will take on the Los Angeles Dodgers this weekend in a matchup featuring Shohei Ohtani, but the games will not be broadcast on traditional network television. Instead, Friday night’s contest will stream exclusively on Apple TV as part of the tech giant’s Friday Night Baseball doubleheader, which begins at 10:15 p.m. This marks the fifth season of Apple TV’s seven-year, $595 million deal with Major League Baseball, a partnership that has seen the streaming service’s monthly cost rise from $6.99 to $12.99. Despite the price increase, Apple TV is offering a free one-month trial to attract subscribers. While the Phillies’ game will not air on NBC Sports Philadelphia or other traditional platforms, Apple TV provides several unique features. One standout perk is the ability to switch the audio feed to 94.1 WIP, the Phillies’ radio broadcast, with Scott Franzke and Kevin Stocker’s play-by-play perfectly synced to the stream’s high-definition footage and minimalist graphics. However, the constant probabilities and live gambling updates included in the broadcast may be distracting for some viewers. Franzke, who has called every Phillies game this season, noted that the shift to Apple TV has not significantly altered his routine. “For us, it’s business as usual,” he said. “There might be a few extra people listening or consuming the game that way, but for us it doesn’t really change a whole lot.” The broadcast for Friday’s game will feature Wayne Randazzo, the TV voice of the Los Angeles Angels and cousin of MLB umpire Tony Randazzo, alongside Dontrelle Willis, a former Phillies pitcher turned analyst, and Heidi Watney, who will report from Dodgers Stadium.#shohei_ohtani #los_angeles_dodgers #philadelphia_phillies #apple_tv #nbc_sports_philadelphia
Phillies Rally Late, Edge Reds on Bryson Stott’s Two-Run Homer The Philadelphia Phillies overcame a one-run deficit in the eighth inning to defeat the Cincinnati Reds 5-4 on Monday night, thanks to Alec Bohm’s fourth home run of the season and Bryson Stott’s clutch two-run blast. The game, played under summery conditions at Citizens Bank Park with a sellout crowd of 40,065, saw the Phillies score two runs in the first inning and maintain control despite a late rally by the Reds. Rookie right-hander Andrew Painter provided a quality start, pitching six innings and allowing just two runs. The Reds’ bullpen, however, struggled in the seventh and eighth innings, surrendering single runs that put the Phillies in a precarious position. Bohm broke the game open with a solo home run in the sixth inning, giving the Phillies a 3-2 lead. Stott then delivered the decisive blow, hitting an 0-1 slider from reliever Graham Ashcraft into the right-field seats for a two-run homer with two outs in the eighth. The victory extended the Phillies’ winning streak to five games, marking their first five-game winning streak of the season. The team has now won 16 of its last 20 games under manager Don Mattingly, who took over for Rob Thomson when the team was 9-19. Since Mattingly’s arrival, the Phillies have posted a 16-4 record, with starting pitching playing a key role. Painter’s first quality start of the season was the team’s 13th under Mattingly. The absence of injured slugger Kyle Schwarber, the majors’ leading home run hitter, forced the Phillies to rely on younger stars. Bohm, who had struggled with a .151 batting average in his first 29 games, hit .345 with three doubles, three homers, and eight RBIs since May 1. Stott, who had hit just .#philadelphia_phillies #cincinnati_reds #don_mattingly #alec_bohm #bryson_stott
Aaron Nola’s $172 Million Nightmare: Phillies Ace Enters Tonight’s Start in Pittsburgh With a 5.14 ERA and Nowhere to Hide The Philadelphia Phillies’ ace, Aaron Nola, faces a critical test tonight as he takes the mound at PNC Park against the Pittsburgh Pirates. Entering the game with a 5.14 ERA through eight starts in 2026, Nola carries a $172 million contract that has increasingly become a financial burden for the team. His performance this season has raised serious concerns about his ability to fulfill the expectations tied to his landmark deal, which was signed in 2024. The Phillies, now 21-23 and struggling in the NL East, are in danger of watching their investment in Nola unravel as he fails to return to the form that made him a cornerstone of their roster. Nola, 32, inked his seven-year, $172 million contract in 2024, a decision that was justified at the time by his decade of elite production in Philadelphia. From 2018 to 2024, he threw over 1,000 innings, accumulated 26 wins above replacement (fifth in baseball over that span), and maintained a career ERA of 3.72. The Phillies viewed him as a long-term asset, not a liability. However, two years into the deal, the narrative has shifted dramatically. Nola’s 2025 season was marred by a right ankle sprain and a subsequent stress fracture in his right rib, which forced him to miss over three months. Despite a strong showing for Team Italy in the 2025 World Baseball Classic, he never fully recovered, leading to a 6.01 ERA in 17 starts. The 2026 season has not brought the expected rebound. Through eight starts, Nola has allowed 47 hits and seven home runs in 42 innings, with a 1.48 WHIP that highlights his struggles to control the game. His strikeout-to-walk ratio of 44-to-15 is respectable, but the damage from contact has been severe.#philadelphia_phillies #aaron_nola #pittsburgh_pirates #pnc_park #fan_sided
Phillies Walk Off Giants Twice; Chase Shugart Earns Both Wins The Philadelphia Phillies delivered an unforgettable performance on Thursday, sweeping a split doubleheader against the San Francisco Giants with dramatic walk-off victories in both games. The team’s success was highlighted by rookie pitcher Chase Shugart, who secured victories in both contests, marking a historic achievement in Major League Baseball. The Phillies’ triumphs came after a challenging season, during which they had struggled to find consistency, making the doubleheader sweep a significant milestone. In the first game, the Phillies edged the Giants 3-2 in a thrilling ninth-inning showdown. Bryson Stott, a key player for the team, delivered the tying triple with one out in the ninth inning. The game’s momentum shifted when rookie Justin Crawford, making his major league debut, drove in the winning run with a two-out infield single. This walk-off win marked the Phillies’ first victory of the day and set the stage for an even more dramatic second game. The second game of the doubleheader was equally intense, with the Phillies overcoming a late-game deficit to secure a 6-5 victory. Kyle Schwarber, who had already made an impact in the first game, continued his strong performance by hitting a tying double with two outs in the ninth inning. The decisive moment came in the 10th inning when Alec Bohm, a rookie infielder, launched a sacrifice fly to center field, sending the crowd into a frenzy and securing the Phillies’ second walk-off win of the day. This achievement made the Phillies the first team in MLB history to win both games of a doubleheader after trailing in the ninth inning or later since the Pittsburgh Pirates’ historic victory over the Chicago Cubs on May 28, 2004.#philadelphia_phillies #san_francisco_giants #kyle_schwarber #chase_shugart #bryson_stott
Phillies sweep the Giants in second game of doubleheader with 6-5 win The Philadelphia Phillies secured a dramatic 6-5 victory over the San Francisco Giants in the second game of a doubleheader on April 30, 2026, with Alec Bohm delivering a walk-off sacrifice fly in the 10th inning. The win completed a rare doubleheader sweep for the Phillies, marking their first such achievement since July 24, 1998, against the Marlins. The game was marred by a 24-minute rain delay in the sixth inning, adding to the tension of a back-and-forth contest. Bohm, the Phillies' third baseman, played a pivotal role in the victory with a combination of defensive brilliance and clutch hitting. In the top of the 10th, he made a diving catch on a line drive from Giants second baseman Luis Arráez, freezing the runner at third base and preventing a potential go-ahead run. This defensive play set the stage for Bohm's offensive heroics later in the inning. After the Giants tied the game at 5-5, Bohm hit a sacrifice fly to center field, sending the Phillies to victory. The game's turning point came in the ninth inning when the Phillies, trailing 5-4, staged a two-out rally. Brandon Marsh and Kyle Schwarber each doubled to drive in runs and force extra innings. Bohm praised the team's resilience, stating, "That’s more like us." The win marked a significant rebound for Bohm, who had struggled offensively this season, posting a .151 batting average and .426 OPS through 29 games. His defensive play and walk-off hit signaled a potential turnaround for the slugger. Reliever Chase Shugart was instrumental in the Phillies' success, earning both wins of the doubleheader. Shugart, who had four wins entering the day, pitched the first game in four pitches, striking out Matt Chapman with two outs in the ninth.#philadelphia_phillies #san_francisco_giants #luis_arrez #alec_bohm #chase_shugart
