97.5 The Fanatic Phillies Notebook: Intensity In Braves, Dodgers Series?

The Philadelphia Phillies linger behind the powers of the American League for the best record in baseball.

Despite their ability to maintain a substantial NL East lead, the All-Star Break is approaching at the right time for a lineup depleted by injuries.

When the MLB schedule came out, early July looked like it’d be the midseason measuring stick. However, should the Phillies really draw any playoff preview takeaways during their upcoming series against the Atlanta Braves and the Los Angeles Dodgers?

All stats as of July 4.

Three Phillies infielders were selected to start for the National League in the MLB All-Star Game for the first time since 1982. Bryce Harper, Alec Bohm, and Trea Turner received enough votes to make the lineup.

Pete Rose, Mike Schmidt, and Manny Trillo accomplished the feat that Ryan Howard, Chase Utley, and Jimmy Rollins (surprisingly) never did. Batting practice at Wrigley Field became an interesting way for the Phillies to campaign for their teammates.

A photo in a cowboy hat is a good mode of publicity and a way to shout out the Texas Rangers as the hosts of the midsummer classic.

Rob Thomson lightheartedly showed his support without any cowboy hat references.

Zack Wheeler, Ranger Suarez, Cristopher Sanchez, and Jeff Hoffman are some of the likeliest to earn bids among a crowded group of Phillies candidates. The NL will decide its full roster on Sunday, July 7.

Harper hasn't played since suffering a hamstring injury on June 27. There's no official word about his status.

The MLB All-Star Game will take place at Globe Life Field in Arlington on July 16.

The injuries looked dooming after a bad loss to the Marlins on June 27. Kyle Schwarber and Bryce Harper both left the game for eventual IL stints.

However, Rob Thomson’s news of an estimated 10-14 day absence for both players settled the panic.

Harper (hamstring) and Schwarber (groin) already have their competitive juices flowing in anticipation for a return. J.T. Realmuto has also participated in baseball activities after a meniscectomy surgery on his right knee on June 12.

Corey Seidman of NBC Sports Philadelphia reported that all three sluggers have made notable progress. The first game after the All-Star Break on July 19 seems like a practical return date. However, the Phillies will use a case-to-case basis for each player.

The Phillies have held their own with a 4-2 record since losing two more key starters. Thomson spoke proudly about their ability to maintain, but the order could certainly use some reinforcements.

Jayson Stark doesn’t look at Taijuan Walker’s timeline as optimistically.