New York Yankees at Philadelphia Phillies: The LeBron Era Begins

2006 Topps Updates & Highlights #UH100

2006 Topps #20

Friday, July 24th - 6:45
Saturday, July 25th - 6:05
Sunday, July 26th - 7:20

Citizens Bank Park - Philadelphia, PA
On Sunday, all kids receive a Phanatic hat.

New York Yankees 57-45
2nd Place in the A.L. East, 2 games behind the Rays

Yankees Probables
Cam Schlittler (9-6, 2.20)
Ryan Weathers (3-7, 4.40)
Will Warren (7-4, 4.00)

Yankees Leaders
Average:  Ben Rice - .277
Runs:  Ben Rice - 66
Home Runs:  Ben Rice - 30
RBIs:  Ben Rice - 71
Stolen Bases:  Jazz Chisolm - 27

Wins:  Cam Schlittler - 9
ERA:  Cam Schlittler - 2.20

Strikeouts:  Cam Schlittler - 145
Saves:  David Bednar - 18

Philadelphia Phillies 56-47
2nd Place in the N.L. East, 4 1/2 games behind the Braves

Phillies Probables
Jesus Luzardo (9-4, 3.43)
TBD
Cristopher Sanchez (12-4, 2.65)

Phillies Leaders
Average:  Brandon Marsh - .292
Runs:  Trea Turner - 69
Home Runs:  Kyle Schwarber - 33
RBIs:  Kyle Schwarber - 61
Stolen Bases:  Bryson Stott and Trea Turner - 17

Wins:  Cristopher Sanchez - 12
ERA:  Cristopher Sanchez - 2.65

Strikeouts:  Cristopher Sanchez - 151
Saves:  Jhoan Duran - 24

2026 Virtual Phillies Wall / 2026 Season Summary Index / 2026 Chachi Set Checklist

Game 103 - Pitching Woes Continue in Loss to Dodgers

Los Angeles Dodgers	9
Philadelphia Phillies	5

2026 Choice Reading Fightin
Phils (Series 1) Mystery Promo

Wednesday Night, July 22nd

Citizens Bank Park - Philadelphia, PA
56-47, 2nd Place, 4 games behind the Braves

One Sentence Summary:  The Dodgers offense overpowered Aaron Nola and the Phillies bullpen in this 9-5 loss.

What It Means:  The Phillies have lost their first two series coming out of the All-Star Break and the Yankees come to town next for a weekend set.

What Happened:  Aaron Nola once again was fine until he wasn't.  Nola allowed a solo home run to Dalton Rushing in the third and then Rushing connected for a two-run double in the fifth to give the Dodgers a 3-2 lead.  Max Muncy added a two-run home run in the fifth and that was pretty much the ballgame.  Nola fell to 3-8 with a 5.82 ERA.  The wheels came off in the eighth when Tim Mayza and Orion Kerkering combined to allow four more runs to score.

The Phillies had a few momentary highlights with Alec Bohm hitting a two-run home run in the first and Bryan De La Cruz hitting a solo home run in the fifth in his Phillies debut.  Baserunning problems continued with Bryson Stott getting tagged out at third to scuttle a fifth inning rally.

Featured Card:  De La Cruz and Alex McFarlane both made their Phillies debuts, with McFarlane seeing his first big league action.  The first batter he faced in the majors was Shohei Ohtani and Ohtani flew "out sharply" per the official description to center.  McFarlane retired Andy Pages and Max Muncy with Freddie Freeman collecting a single in between.  McFarlane appears as a bonus card in both of the Reading Fightin Phils team sets released to date, and I'm sure he'll start popping up in Topps offerings soon.

Field Report:  I was there as part of a work gathering, enjoying the breezes in Section 201.

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Game 102 - Game Ends on Baserunning Blunder

Los Angeles Dodgers	2
Philadelphia Phillies	1

1939 Play Ball #145

Tuesday Night, July 21st

Citizens Bank Park - Philadelphia, PA
56-46, 2nd Place, 3 games behind the Braves

One Sentence Summary:  Zack Wheeler's latest superb effort was wasted as the Phillies couldn't plate a run after the first inning in this 2-1 loss to the Dodgers.

What It Means:  This game was delayed at the outset by 80 minutes due to thunderstorms.  Again, weather permitting, the Phillies will go for the series win tonight with Aaron Nola on the mound.

What Happened:  Wheeler's only blemish was the two-run home run he allowed to Max Muncy in the fourth inning.  He went seven strong innings, allowing five hits and striking out nine.  Jose Alvarado and Jonathan Bowlan gave the offense a chance with two scoreless innings of relief.  In the first, Bryce Harper lined to center for a two-out double and came home on an RBI-single from Alec Bohm.  Bohm had three hits on the night.

The Phillies had runners at second and third with one out in the ninth.  Brandon Marsh grounded to third, and Justin Crawford was tagged out after a brief run-down between third and home.  Realmuto, who had reached third safely, decided to run back to second, where he was doubled up to end the game.

Featured Card:  With the All-Star Game behind us now, the Phillies can turn their attention to the Field of Dreams Game to be played in Iowa in mid-August.  The Phillies and Twins recently revealed the uniforms they'd be wearing during the game, and while I don't have a color representation of the 1939 throw-back uniform the Phillies will wear in my baseball card collection, here's a good black and white view as modeled by Hugh Mulcahy from the 1939 Play Ball set.

Transaction:  Garrett Stubbs (c) was placed on the 10-day injured list with a left wrist injury and Bryan De La Cruz (of) was recalled from Lehigh Valley.

2026 Virtual Phillies Wall / 2026 Season Summary Index / 2026 Chachi Set Checklist

Game 101 - Turner's Ridiculous Game Ends in Victory

Los Angeles Dodgers	7
Philadelphia Phillies	10

2026 Topps Now #472

Monday Night, July 20th

Citizens Bank Park - Philadelphia, PA
56-45, 2nd Place, 3 games behind the Braves

One Sentence Summary:  Trea Turner hit two home runs and committed what could have been ruled four errors in what he deemed a "ridiculous game" in this 10-7 series opening win over the Dodgers.

What It Means:  Weather permitting, the Phillies go for the series win on Tuesday night with Zack Wheeler on the mound.

What Happened:  The Phillies found their bats and pounded out 11 hits, scoring four runs in both the second and sixth innings.  Turner homered in the second and sixth, Brandon Marsh hit a solo home run in the sixth, Bryce Harper connected in the seventh and Derek Hill added a solo shot in the eighth.  Turner also had a double while committing only one error officially, but what was four errors unofficially.  Christopher Sanchez battled through 5 1/3 innings, allowing three runs on seven hits while striking out seven.  Chase Shugart got into trouble in the ninth, allowing three runs to score, before Jhoan Duran was called upon to record the game's final out.

Featured Card:  Both Turner and Harper received Topps Now cards.  Harper's seventh inning solo home run was his 200th with the Phillies, and the back of his card also mentions this was the club's 1,000th win at Citizens Bank Park.  Here's Turner's Topps Now card, which highlights his 200th career home run, his second home run of the game and hit off Alex Vesia in the sixth inning.

Transaction:  Alan Rangel (rhp) was optioned back to the IronPigs and Alex McFarlane (rhp) was recalled from Double-A Reading.  McFarlane had been active earlier on the season for one game (April 24th) but didn't see any game action.

2026 Virtual Phillies Wall / 2026 Season Summary Index / 2026 Chachi Set Checklist

Game 100 - Phils Drop Sunday Snoozefest

New York Mets	6
Philadelphia Phillies	1

1998 Stadium Club #238

Sunday Afternoon, July 19th

Citizens Bank Park - Philadelphia, PA
55-45, 2nd Place, 3 games behind the Braves

One Sentence Summary:  A bullpen game, coupled with once-again absent offense, led to this 6-1 loss to the Mets on a gorgeous Sunday afternoon for baseball.

What It Means:  I listened to most of this game while enjoying the Ocean City beach along with seemingly a few million of my closest friends.  The outcome of the game didn't match the picture perfect summer day.

The Phillies are 41-14 in games started by Cristopher Sanchez, Zack Wheeler or Jesus Luzardo this season.  They are 14-31 in games started by anyone else, including Aaron Nola, Taijuan Walker, Andrew Painter and Alan Rangel.

What Happened:  Rangel got the start for this game, and it didn't go well.  He departed after four innings with the Mets holding an insurmountable 5-0 lead.  Tim Mayza would allow a sixth run in the fifth inning.  The Phillies offense couldn't get anything going, and Mets' starter Nolan McLean had 10 strikeouts in his six-inning outing.  Alec Bohm hit a solo home run in the seventh, and overall the Phillies were 0 for 6 with runners in scoring position.

Featured Card:  At least the beach was wonderful?  (I've got nothing.)

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Los Angeles Dodgers at Philadelphia Phillies: NLCS Preview?

2006 Topps #109

2006 Topps #398

Monday, July 20th - 7:10
Tuesday, July 21st - 6:40
Wednesday, July 22nd - 6:40

Citizens Bank Park - Philadelphia, PA
On Tuesday night, all kids will receive a Phillies Big Chain, featuring one of the best team logos in club history from the early 1980s.

Los Angeles Dodgers 63-37
1st Place in the N.L. West, 11 1/2 games ahead of the Diamondbacks

Dodgers Probables
Emmet Sheehan (4-6, 4.81)
Eric Lauer (3-0, 3.12)
Roki Sasaki (3-5, 4.98)

Dodgers Leaders
Average:  Shohei Ohtani - . 290
Runs:  Shohei Ohtani - 66
Home Runs:  Shohei Ohtani - 22
RBIs:  Andy Pages - 67
Stolen Bases:  Andy Pages - 8

Wins:  Justin Wrobleski and Yoshinobu Yamamoto - 10
ERA:  Justin Wrobleski - 2.69

Strikeouts:  Yoshinobu Yamamoto - 113
Saves:  Tanner Scott - 14

Philadelphia Phillies 55-45
2nd Place in the N.L. East, 3 games behind the Braves

Phillies Probables
Cristopher Sanchez (11-4, 2.62)
Zack Wheeler (10-1, 2.13)
Aaron Nola (3-7, 5.68)

Phillies Leaders
Average:  Brandon Marsh - .293
Runs:  Trea Turner - 66
Home Runs:  Kyle Schwarber - 33
RBIs:  Kyle Schwarber - 61
Stolen Bases:  Bryson Stott and Trea Turner - 17

Wins:  Cristopher Sanchez - 11
ERA:  Cristopher Sanchez - 2.62

Strikeouts:  Cristopher Sanchez - 144
Saves:  Jhoan Duran - 24

2026 Virtual Phillies Wall / 2026 Season Summary Index / 2026 Chachi Set Checklist

Game 99 - Turner Looks to Rebound in Second Half

New York Mets	1
Philadelphia Phillies	6

2026 Bowman #71

Saturday Afternoon, July 18th

Citizens Bank Park - Philadelphia, PA
55-44, 2nd Place, 2 games behind the Braves

One Sentence Summary:  Trea Turner collected three hits, including his 12th home run, and Jesus Luzardo breezed through five innings as the Phillies won over the Mets, 6-1.

What It Means:  For the second day in a row, the start time of the game was moved up an hour, this time due to pending thunderstorms.  The Phillies go for the series win this afternoon with Alan Rangel on the mound.

What Happened:  The Phillies were up 2-0 early in this game, thanks to a two-run home run from Kyle Schwarber.  Turner was on board, having singled to start the first.  Turner led off the fifth with his solo home run, giving the Phillies a 3-1 lead.  Alec Bohm would add an RBI single later in the inning.  Bryce Harper capped the scoring with a two-run single in the sixth.  Orion Kerkering, Jose Alvarado and Chase Shugart combined to throw four shutout innings in relief, with Alvarado's effort dropping his season ERA down below seven again.  The game was interrupted in the seventh with a nearly hour long rain delay.

Featured Card:  I'm still slowly picking up 2026 Phillies baseball cards, although I'm not as diligent about adding new cards as I used to be.  Here's Turner's fairly non-descript but distinctly Bowmanesque card from this year's Bowman set.

2026 Virtual Phillies Wall / 2026 Season Summary Index / 2026 Chachi Set Checklist

Game 98 - Smoke Gets in Your Eyes

New York Mets	4
Philadelphia Phillies	1

2026 Philadelphia Phillies Photocards

Thursday Night, July 16th

Citizens Bank Park - Philadelphia, PA
54-44, 2nd Place, 2 1/2 games behind the Braves

One Sentence Summary:  Citizens Bank Park continued to be Kryptonite for the home team's offense, as the Phillies easily fell 4-1 in a smoke-filled game.

What It Means:  This game, originally scheduled for Friday but moved to Thursday to accommodate ESPN, was then moved up an hour in an attempt to get ahead of the increasingly thick smoke blowing down from ongoing Canadian wild fires.

What Happened:  Aaron Nola had another great outing until the seventh, and he likely should have been removed after six strong innings.  As is typical for Nola, all runs allowed came via the long ball.  Francisco Alvarez homered in the third, and then Brett Baty and Alvarez went back-to-back in the seventh, chasing Nola from the game.  Seth Johnson mysteriously pitched two full innings, giving up an RBI double in the ninth.  The Phillies offense had four hits, including a solo home run from Trea Turner in the eighth.

Featured Card / Transaction:  Brad Keller (rhp), who signed to a two-year, $22 million deal in the offseason, was placed on the 15-day injured list with a UCL tear, likely requiring Tommy John surgery and also likely ending his Phillies tenure.  This reminds me of the David Robertson situation in 2019, but at least the Phillies got more out of Keller this season (32 games, 4.02 ERA, three saves) than they got out of Robertson that year.  Keller has a card in the team-issued photo card set, likely to be his only Phillies baseball card appearance.

Johnson (rhp) was recalled from Lehigh Valley to (temporarily?) take Keller's place in the bullpen.

2026 Virtual Phillies Wall / 2026 Season Summary Index / 2026 Chachi Set Checklist

All-Star Game Experience - Absolutely Amazing / All-Star Game - Complete Dud

2026 Chachi #59

2026 Chachi #58

2026 Chachi #56

2026 Chachi Friendly Encounters #7

American League All-Stars	4
National League All-Stars	0

Tuesday Night, July 14th

Citizens Bank Park - Philadelphia, PA

One Sentence Summary:  Citizens Bank Park was electric during the pregame ceremonies and for all the other mid-game festivities, but the 96th All-Star Game itself was fairly boring, as the American League pitching completely shut down the National League, 4-0.

What It Means:  There was absolutely nothing during the game for a Phillies fan (or a National League fan for that matter) to cheer for.  Still, it was worth the six-year wait between the announcement of the game in 2019 and the playing of the game in 2026.

What Happened:  Cristopher Sanchez struck out Mike Trout to start the game, then allowed a single to Yordan Alvarez, walked Shea Langeliers and walked Bobby Witt, Jr. to load the bases.  Cody Bollinger brought home two runs with a single to center, eventually earning him the game's MVP honors.  Ben Rice singled to give the American League a 3-0 lead and that was pretty much the ballgame.  Sanchez would be saddled with the loss and a 27.00 ERA for his one inning of work.  The National League All-Stars managed three singles, never advancing a runner to second base.  Miguel Vargas hit a solo home run for the American League in the eighth.

Sanchez had a crappy night, and the other Phillies All-Stars, other than pitchers Jesus Luzardo and Jhoan Duran, didn't fare much better.  Kyle Schwarber led off as the DH, replacing the injured Shohei Ohtani.  Schwarber struck out swinging again Dylan Cease in the first and grounded out to second in the third.  Brandon Marsh started in right field, batting seventh.  He struck out twice - against Parker Messick in the second and Nick Martinez in the fifth.  Bryce Harper pinch-hit for Schwarber in the sixth, striking out in his only at-bat against Cade Smith.

Jesus Luzardo had the best night of all six Phillies All-Stars.  Entering in the fourth, Luzardo struck out Riley Greene and then induced two quick ground outs from Ernie Clement and Trout.  He threw a total of six pitches.  Jhoan Duran entered with one out in the top of the ninth, jogging to the mound in the dark while we all waited for his signature entrance music to start.  It eventually started, albeit late, and Duran needed just four pitches to retire Travis Bazzana and Ceddanne Rafaela after Randy Arozarena had reached on a single.

2026 Chachi #61

2026 Chachi #57

2026 Chachi #60

2026 Chachi #55

Featured Cards:  Since I started creating Chachi cards in 2005, a mainstay of my sets are the annual All-Star cards, and this year is no different.  I created cards for the six Phillies All-Stars, along with Don Mattingly, who served as a bench coach.

Field Report:  Doug and I were there!  Doug completed the trifecta of Futures Game, Home Run Derby and All-Star Game, and this was the second All-Star Game I've attended.  My Dad and I were at Veterans Stadium, cheering on Ricky Bottalico, back in 1996.  We arrived right before 5pm and waited in a crazy long line out to the parking lot to eventually snake its way through the entrance when gates opened.  We surveyed the MLB All-Star Fan  Zone, set up outside the ballpark and complete with vendors, food trucks and photo opportunities, before heading into the ballpark proper.  After a 20 minute or so wait to get into the team store, Doug found the Ohtani Ring the Bell t-shirt he wanted and he posed for a quick picture with the Rangers' mascot, Captain.

We then did a full lap of the ballpark, getting stuck momentarily in an unmoving crowd in Ashburn Alley, and enjoying our obligatory meal at Bull's BBQ, before settling into our seats in Section 415, Row 2.  It was hot, but there was an occasional breeze in the higher section, something we rarely experience down in Section 315.

The pregame ceremony is always my favorite part of the All-Star Game, and I love the full team introductions.  I was happy to see all the represented teams once again wearing their actual uniforms and not MLB created abominations for the game.  We loved how the starting line-up signed their own version of a Declaration after being announced, and singers Jennifer Hudson and Patti LaBelle were amazing.  There were flyovers, fireworks and a dramatic reading from actor and Phillies fan Miles Teller.  Mike Schmidt and Steve Carlton threw out the ceremonial first pitches, caught by Scott Rolen and Cole Hamels.

The Sandlot tribute in the middle of the fifth inning was also very impressive.  With Ray Charles, Jr. singing "America the Beautiful" and the ballpark lights dimmed, kids rode their bikes, played catch, practiced their swings and traded baseball cards down on the field with the All Stars.  What followed was so many fireworks in such rapid succession, Doug and I were convinced they might actual blow up the ballpark.

The game itself stunk.  Sanchez struck out Trout to start the first and then quickly gave up three runs, letting all the air out of the celebratory balloon.  But I loved every minute of it, and I'm thrilled I could share it with my son, just like my Dad had done 30 years earlier.

2026 Virtual Phillies Wall / 2026 Season Summary Index / 2026 Chachi Set Checklist

New York Mets at Philadelphia Phillies: Second Half Begins

2006 Topps #150

2006 Topps #205

Thursday, July 16th - 7:10
Saturday, July 18th - 4:05
Sunday, July 19th - 1:35

Citizens Bank Park - Philadelphia, PA
Coming off the high of the All-Star break and hosting the All-Star Game at the ballpark, the Phillies have zero promotions or theme nights for this series.

New York Mets 40-57
5th Place in the N.L. East, 16 games behind the Braves

Mets Probables
Christian Scott (2-1, 3.17)
Sean Manaea (2-4, 4.56)
Nolan McLean (6-6, 3.52)

Mets Leaders
Average:  Juan Soto - .290
Runs:  Carson Benge - 52
Home Runs:  Juan Soto - 21
RBIs:  Bo Bichette and Juan Soto - 51
Stolen Bases:  Carson Benge - 15

Wins:  Nolan McLean - 6
ERA:  Nolan McLean - 3.52

Strikeouts:  Nolan McLean - 125
Saves:  Devin Williams - 13

Philadelphia Phillies 54-43
2nd Place in the N.L. East, 2 games behind the Braves

Phillies Probables
Aaron Nola (3-6, 5.75)
Jesus Luzardo (8-4, 3.51)
Alan Rangel (0-2, 4.19)

Phillies Leaders
Average:  Brandon Marsh - .301
Runs:  Trea Turner - 62
Home Runs:  Kyle Schwarber - 32
RBIs:  Kyle Schwarber - 59
Stolen Bases:  Bryson Stott - 17

Wins:  Cristopher Sanchez - 11
ERA:  Cristopher Sanchez - 2.62

Strikeouts:  Cristopher Sanchez - 144
Saves:  Jhoan Duran - 24

2026 Virtual Phillies Wall / 2026 Season Summary Index / 2026 Chachi Set Checklist

Home Run Derby Upset! / Walker Stuns Schwarber, Phils Faithful

2026 Chachi #53

2026 Chachi #54

When it was first announced the All-Star Game would be coming to Philadelphia in 2026, I was immediately excited about going to the actual game and mildly interested in the other festivities surrounding a typical All-Star Weekend/Week.  We were lucky enough to secure tickets for the entire three days of festivities, with Doug and one of his friends attending the Futures Game on Sunday and he and my wife attending the Home Run Derby last night.  I had no interest in attending the derby, but as it got closer to the time for them to leave for Philly, I admittedly started having a little bit of FOMO, which developed into a full-fledged case once the festivities began.

The broadcast on Netflix was fine, and the announcers did their best to gush about the palpable excitement at the ballpark.  But it didn't compare to their experience of actually being there and it was a night they won't soon forget.

During the pre-derby introductions, Bryce Harper embraced his Showman persona, hoping onto the middle rung of the makeshift boxer's ring situated in the infield, while Michael Buffer did his best announcer's schtick with the obligatory "Let's Get Ready to Rumble," not coming until the tournament's final round.  Harper and his teammate Kyle Schwarber both started slow, and Harper's eight home runs in the first round were surpassed by Schwarber's 10 home runs, knocking Harper out of the semi-finals.  Schwarber took down Willson Contreras in Round 2, nine home runs besting Contreras' eight.  All seemed right with the world when Schwarber connected for 11 home runs in the final round, but the Cardinals' Jordan Walker hit four home runs in a row on his final swings, surging past Schwarber and silencing the 45,000-plus fans pulling for a Schwarber win in his home ballpark.

Doug and Jenna reported it was LOUD and they had never heard such loud and sustained booing, which is saying something since they've both been to their fair share of big Phillies games over the years.  As I've done in the past, I created a few Home Run Derby cards for my Chachi set, and I look forward to creating some All-Star cards for the set following Tuesday night's Midsummer Classic.

What an incredible experience this All-Star Week has been!

Game 97 - Wheeler, Still Bitter, Dominates Tigers; More from the All-Star Village

Philadelphia Phillies	5
Detroit Tigers	0

2026 Chachi Freindly
Encounters #6

Sunday Afternoon, July 12th

Comerica Park - Detroit, MI
54-43, 2nd Place, 2 games behind the Braves

One Sentence Summary:  Still bitter over his All-Star Game snub, Zack Wheeler improved to 10-1 with a two-hit, 10-strikeout performance against the Tigers in this 5-0 win.

What It Means:  Wheeler was eventually invited to the All-Star Game but felt "disrespected" and declined the invite.  It's a shame, as the fans, including me, would have loved to have seen him at least introduced prior to the game on Tuesday.

What Happened:  Wheeler, Jose Alvarado, Orion Kerkering and Jonathan Bowlan combined for the two-hit shutout, striking out 14 Tigers batters.  Wheeler out-dueled Tarik Skubal, who departed after five innings with the Phillies leading, 2-0.  The big hit for the Phillies was a bases-clearing double by J.T. Realmuto in the sixth inning.  Bryson Stott would beat out an infield hit to shortstop, scoring Realmuto with the Phillies' fifth run.

Featured Card / Field Report:  I was back at the All-Star Village on Sunday morning, this time as a volunteer manning the booth for ALS United Mid-Atlantic as part of the MLB Together initiative.  I enjoyed early morning access to the Pennsylvania Convention Center, snapping quite a few pictures of the many fantastic exhibits before the crush of eager fans arrived for the day.  I also made a new friend in the Athletics' mascot, Stomper, who helped guide a bunch of wondering fans over to the MLB Together booths during the mid-morning rush.  It was a fantastic day, and I left incredibly impressed by what the Phillies and MLB had put together for their fans.

2026 Virtual Phillies Wall / 2026 Season Summary Index / 2026 Chachi Set Checklist

Game 96 - All-Star Weekend Begins in Philly!

Philadelphia Phillies	4
Detroit Tigers	2

2026 Chachi #47

Saturday Night, July 11th

Comerica Park - Detroit, MI
53-43, 2nd Place, 2 games behind the Braves

One Sentence Summary:  Cristopher Sanchez recovered from his prior start and showed his All-Star form in this 4-2 win over the Tigers.

What It Means:  We'd learn on Sunday afternoon that Sanchez's next start would be on Tuesday night for the National League All-Stars at Citizens Bank Park.  Pretty cool for that to happen with the All-Star Game in his home ballpark.

What Happened:  Sanchez improved to 11-4, scattering 10 hits over seven innings and striking out seven.  Jonathan Bowlan, suddenly the top set-up reliever, and Jhoan Duran shut down the Tigers over the final two innings.  Duran tied a team record by recording his 24th save prior to the All-Star Break.  In the third, Derek Hill reached on an error and then stole both second and third bases, coming home on a Trea Turner sacrifice fly.  Hill would also make a game-saving catch in the third, executing a full extension Superman-catch to keep the Tigers from scoring the tying run.  In the fourth, the Phillies plated three more runs on a J.T. Realmuto RBI-double and an RBI single from Hill.

Featured Card:  I usually don't post Chachi cards in game summary posts, but the lack of Hill baseball cards is forcing my hand here.  Without his amazing catch in the fourth, this game could have gone a completely different way.  Here's his 2026 Chachi card, and I'll "officially" post it along with the rest of the set following the season.  For now, here's a page where you can view the set's progress to date.

Outside Philadelphia's City Hall

2026 Chachi Friendly Encounters #5

2026 Chachi Draft Pick #1

Field Report:  Jenna and I attended Day One of the All-Star Village at the Pennsylvania Convention Center and had a blast.  It was pretty crowded, but we managed to navigate our way around all of the booths and exhibits, spending a solid few hours taking everything in.  We didn't get any autographs from the many former players making appearances, but Jenna did get to visit with All-Star Kyle Schwarber.

Also on Saturday, the Phillies selected high school shortstop Tyler Spangler in the first round of the annual draft.  Spangler missed his entire senior year at De La Salle High School in California with a bad back, but the Phillies are optimistic his long-term prospects are good.

2026 Virtual Phillies Wall / 2026 Season Summary Index / 2026 Chachi Set Checklist

Game 95 - Flust It II

Philadelphia Phillies	2
Detroit Tigers	10

2026 Choice Lehigh Valley
IronPigs #13

Friday Night, July 10th

Comerica Park - Detroit, MI
52-43, Tied for 2nd Place, 3 games behind the Braves

One Sentence Summary:  The bullpen melted down yet again, giving up eight unanswered runs late in the game in this 10-2 loss to the Tigers.

What It Means:  It would seem as if the top trade target for the Phillies at the upcoming deal deadline is a reliable reliever or two.

What Happened:  Aaron Nola pitched relatively well, allowing two runs on three hits and striking out eight in five innings of work.  Yet interim manager Don Mattingly opted to go to his bullpen, with Nola sitting at just 84 pitches, for the sixth.  Things fell apart quickly.  What had been a 2-2 game was a 7-2 Tigers lead following a nightmare inning from Tim Mayza.  Max Lazar entered in the eighth and allowed three more runs to score, giving up a pair of home runs.  Derek Hill had three hits, including his third home run with the Phillies, but it was all for naught.

Featured Card:  Third string catcher Garrett Stubbs was the only Phillies pitcher in this game unscored upon. Stubbs has appeared in four games as a mop-up reliever this season, and he has a 5.40 ERA in 3 1/3 innings pitched.  His appearance last night was his 12th pitching appearance overall since 2022 with the Phillies.  This is his only relatively mainstream baseball card appearance so far in 2026, from the IronPigs team set.

2026 Virtual Phillies Wall / 2026 Season Summary Index / 2026 Chachi Set Checklist

Game 94 - All-Star Luzardo Tosses Gem Against Reds

Philadelphia Phillies	1
Cincinnati Reds	0

2026 Philadelphia Phillies Photocards

Thursday Night, July 9th

Great American Ball Park - Cincinnati, OH
52-42, Tied for 2nd Place, 3 games behind the Braves

One Sentence Summary:  All-Star Jesus Luzardo pitched his best game of the season with fellow All-Star Jhoan Duran locking down his 23rd save in this 1-0 victory over the Reds.

What It Means:  The Phillies are living and dying with their pitching, either getting blown out or relying on a gem from one of Cristopher Sanchez, Zack Wheeler or Luzardo.  The surging and surprising Marlins have re-entered the chat, with the Phillies now tied with them for second place in the East.

What Happened:  Luzardo allowed a pair of hits and struck out 11 in his gem, improving to 8-4 on the season.  Jonathan Bowlan pitched a perfect eighth and Duran struck out a pair in the ninth to preserve the win.  The Phillies scored their only run in the eighth.  Gabriel Rincones, Jr. was hit by a pitch to start the inning, with Derek Hill coming in to run for him.  J.T. Realmuto grounded out to short, moving Hill to second, and Justin Crawford singled to right, bringing Hill home with the manufactured run.

Featured Card:  In his last five starts, Luzardo is 3-0 with a 1.42 ERA and 48 strikeouts in 31 2/3 innings pitched.  The Phillies are 5-0 in those games.  This is his team-issued photo card.

Transaction:  Three days in a row with a bullpen move . . . Tanner Banks (lhp) was placed on the injured list with a left forearm strain and Chase Shugart (rhp) returned from the IronPigs.

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Game 93 - Bullpen Implodes (Again) in Lopsided Loss

Philadelphia Phillies	5
Cincinnati Reds	11

2026 Philadelphia Phillies
Kids Club / Club 215

Wednesday Night, July 8th

Great American Ball Park - Cincinnati, OH
51-42, Tied for 2nd Place, 3 games behind the Braves

One Sentence Summary:  Tanner Banks and Jose Alvarado bore the brunt of the damage in this 11-5 lopsided loss to the Reds.

What It Means:  Banks and Alvarado, once stalwarts of the bullpen, both own a season ERA over seven.

What Happened:  Alan Rangel got the start, allowing three runs on three hits and three walks over 3 1/3 innings pitched.  Banks allowed four runs in a third of an inning in the fourth and Alvarado allowed four more runs in the sixth, putting the game out of reach.  J.T. Realmuto (7) and Kyle Schwarber (32) both homered for the Phillies.  Justin Crawford had a pair of hits, including a double, and has quietly raised his season average to .262.

Featured Card:  The Phillies need Alvarado and Banks to figure things out if they're going to be a part of this bullpen down the stretch.  Alvarado and Jhoan Duran were the lone relievers included in the team's Kids Club set this year.

Transaction:  Rangel (rhp) was recalled from the IronPigs and Brad Keller (rhp) was activated from the 15-day injured list.  Lou Trivino III (rhp) was placed on the injured list with a right thoracic muscle spasm and Seth Johnson (rhp) was sent back down.

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Game 92 - All-Star Snub Wheeler Dominates Reds

Philadelphia Phillies	4
Cincinnati Reds	1

2026 Philadelphia Phillies Photocards

Tuesday Night, July 7th

Great American Ball Park - Cincinnati, OH
51-41, 2nd Place, 2 games behind the Braves

One Sentence Summary:  Zack Wheeler proved again he's definitely an All-Star, despite what MLB says, by tying his career high with 14 strikeouts and limiting the Reds to four hits in this 4-1 win.

What It Means:  Wheeler stoically commented following the game, "I feel like that's a reminder, for whoever needs to be reminded."  As he's scheduled to pitch on Sunday before the All-Star break, MLB's rules dictate he's ineligible for the game.  Still, he could have been chosen for the honor and then replaced on the roster.  It's a dumb rule.

What Happened:  Wheeler improved to 9-1 and allowed just a seventh inning solo home run to Eugenio Suarez.  The offense spotted him three runs in the third.  Derek Hill doubled and scored on a Trea Turner ground out.  Kyle Schwarber followed with a two-run home run, his 31st of the season, as he vies to become the first Phillies player ever with 60 home runs in a season.  In the eighth, Edmundo Sosa hit a sacrifice fly to score Trea Turner, who had singled to start the inning.  Jhoan Duran struck out the side for his 22nd save.

There was some excitement in the game as coaches Caleb Cotham and Bobby Dickerson were ejected in the eighth inning following a questionable base-running call from the umpires in favor of the Reds.  Fortunately, the play ended up not meaning anything.

Featured Card:  Here's Wheeler's recently released card from the team-issued photo card set, available for sale at the ballpark.

Transaction:  Prior to the game, Max Lazar (rhp) replaced Kyle Backhus (lhp) in the Phillies' bullpen, with Backhus getting sent back down to the IronPigs.

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