Q: I’ve heard spicy food can be good for you. Is that true?
A: Here’s great news for people who love to feel the burn: The purported benefits of spicy foods have a strong scientific basis.
In 2015, a major study published in the British Medical Journal showed an association between consuming spicy foods and living longer. From 2004 to 2008, scientists enrolled more than half a million adults in China and tracked their health over the next several years. Several thousand in the group, not surprisingly, died during that time.
But the surprising part? Even after controlling for multiple possible confounders — such as smoking, physical activity, and intake of red meat and fresh fruits and vegetables — adults whose spicy food intake averaged six or seven days a week had a 14% lower relative risk of dying than those whose intake averaged less than once a week. Eating spicy foods was associated with a reduced risk of death from cancer and heart and lung diseases.
Two years later, a similar study done in the United States corroborated those findings: Americans who consumed hot red chile peppers were about 13% less likely to die at any given point during the study compared with those who did not.
Scientists think capsaicin — the main active component in chile peppers — may be beneficial because of its effect on the receptors in our nerve cells that perceive heat, both from temperature and spice. Known as TRPV1 receptors, they’re expressed throughout our bodies, including the skin, gastrointestinal tract, and many immune cells.
So move aside peptides: Should we all grab some chile paste from the grocery store to live longer?
Well … not necessarily (and, for the record, peptides should stay on the shelf for now too).
While the benefits of spicy foods are backed by strong research, we haven’t proved that spicy foods cause this apparent boost in longevity. And in some areas, the data are more uncertain. For instance, some — though not all — studies have found an elevated risk of stomach cancer among people who frequently eat spicy foods.
Here’s what else we know about how spicy foods affect our health.
Heart health
Multiple observational studies in humans have shown an association with spicy food intake and a lower risk of heart disease and stroke. The mechanisms aren’t entirely known, but limited human randomized controlled trials point to capsaicin’s ability to increase HDL, or “good” cholesterol, low levels of which are a known risk factor for heart attacks. It may also help burn calories faster.
Also, the spicier your food, the less you reach for the salt shaker. A 2017 Chinese study of around 600 adults found that people who preferred spicier foods gravitated toward less salty ones, eating about a half teaspoon less salt every day with corresponding decreases in their blood pressure.
The same researchers performed a separate randomized controlled trial in which they scanned participants’ brains after stimulating them with salt mixtures. They found that capsaicin amplified how intensely people perceive saltiness — meaning, the same splash of soy sauce tastes even saltier when you stir chile into the mix.
Gut health
IBS and abdominal pain: What’s fascinating about TRPV1 receptors is that they’re also critical for pain signaling. They’re more concentrated in the colons of people with irritable bowel syndrome, for instance.
That’s why, seemingly paradoxically, capsaicin creams actually can help treat pain. Capsaicin can overwhelm our pain-sensing nerves and, in doing so, help blunt alarm signals from reaching the brain.
Capsaicin has even shown a benefit in small human trials for chronic abdominal pain. For some people, capsaicin can make abdominal discomfort worse in the short term. But after a few weeks of habitual consumption, those receptors become desensitized and the discomfort may actually improve.
Stomach acid and ulcers: Despite a common misconception, capsaicin does not damage a healthy stomach lining. Capsaicin actually reduces acid production in the stomach. Because of this, and because capsaicin stimulates more blood flow to the stomach, it has been shown to protect against the risk of gastrointestinal ulcers.
So why are spicy foods notorious for making acid reflux symptoms seem worse? We feel like we have heartburn after eating a spicy meal because capsaicin activates TRPV1 receptors in the esophagus. This is what causes that unpleasant burning sensation in the chest, which we would normally attribute to acid.
Hemorrhoids: While I’m sure I don’t need to overexplain the meaning of the Hungarian saying “paprika burns you twice,” a 2006 randomized placebo-controlled trial found that capsaicin did not aggravate hemorrhoid symptoms. So if that’s your specific concern, the science has your back … side.
Cancers: Regarding gastrointestinal cancers, the data is a bit mixed: Most studies have found that capsaicin protects against cancer, while some have found that it seems to bolster tumor growth. This is an area where we still need more research, but the overall trend so far is reassuring that spicy foods may well be protective.
What I want my patients to know
If you like spicy foods, by all means enjoy them, particularly in moderation. Personally, I get a bit of a thrill eating food spicy enough to make my nose run but not quite cry at the dinner table. But if you’re someone who feels ill when you eat chile peppers, this data shouldn’t push you to do anything that makes you uncomfortable. We’re all different in how we respond to capsaicin, so I wouldn’t regard vindaloo as the elixir of life.
The eating pattern still most consistently linked to numerous health benefits, including longevity, remains the Mediterranean-style diet, which emphasizes whole foods, complex carbohydrates and polyphenols. Chile peppers can definitely be a part of that pattern, but they’re just one component.
Trisha Pasricha is a physician and scientist at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and an assistant professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School. She is the author of “You’ve Been Pooping All Wrong.”
On Sunday, MLB All-Star Week brought a new event to Philadelphia — MLBx: 3-on-3. The inaugural four-team tournament featured three former Phillies greats: Ryan Howard, Shane Victorino, and Jimmy Rollins. Each served as a captain for a three-person squad. The players donned their past Phillies uniforms.
“Just to see everybody out here, to see this place almost packed,” Victorino said. “I couldn’t ask for anything more from this city. It was the one thing someone always asks: ‘What do you want to see out of this city this weekend?’ I said, ‘I want to see how all the fans are going to show up.’”
The fourth team was led by Atlanta Braves legend and 2026 Hall of Fame inductee Andruw Jones, who was booed heavily by the Philly faithful before the event began.
A professional softball player from the Athletes Unlimited Softball League joined each team alongside a non-baseball celebrity. Notably, former Eagles wideout Terrell Owens played for Team Rollins while current Eagles offensive tackle Jordan Mailata starred for Howard.
Shane Victorino’s team won the inaugural MLBx event.Yong Kim / Staff Photographer
Three three-inning games — two semifinals and a championship — were played on a miniature diamond setup at center field. Ultimately, it was Team Victorino that came out on top, defeating Team Howard, 48-39.
Rachel Garcia, who plays for the AUSL’s Texas Voltz, was named the event’s most valuable player.
Along with winning the inaugural event, Victorino now has bragging rights over his former teammates.
“Just another thing, another notch,” Victorino said with a laugh. “I got one more ring than them, one more trophy with an ‘X’ on it. I’m gonna give it to them till the day I can’t.”
Before the event began, it was described on the public address as “a Home Run Derby with a twist.”
Each inning saw a player on each team take a two-minute at-bat. Meanwhile, outfielders looked to rob any would-be home runs. Points were awarded primarily from home runs and defensive catches, but a team could also gain an extra point by hitting a ball through a “target zone” above the outfield fence. Additionally, whenever a batter got in a groove, he or she could activate a “hot streak” by pushing a button next to home plate. When activated, home runs counted for two-points a pop.
Ryan Howard at CBP? of course he's hitting dingers 💪
The first game of the tournament saw Team Howard face Team Rollins, meaning the game’s two Eagles — Mailata and Owens — also matched up. In the battle of the Birds, Mailata beat out Owens as Team Howard advanced to the final.
Jordan Mailata switched sports to be part of Team Howard.Yong Kim / Staff Photographer
There once was a time where Owens was largely shunned by Philadelphia fans following his dramatic exit from the Eagles in 2005. It appears time has healed those wounds. Owens, who played baseball in high school, received one of the larger rounds of applause when his name was first called over the stadium’s public address.
Former Eagles wide receiver Terrell Owens played baseball in high school.Yong Kim / Staff Photographer
Eagles fan-favorite Mailata, traded in his pads for a baseball jersey, which he noted was much more comfortable. Ultimately, the Australia native did not come away with a win in the championship game. However, he did accomplish his one goal.
“Was I the worst performing person today?” he asked reporters following the event.
One responded “No,” pointing out that Mailata had hit more home runs than the Hall of Fame-bound Jones.
“That was my goal — to not be the worst,” Mailata said. “So I can go home, even though we fell short.”
‘Put softball on the map’
Along with launching a new event, the MLB looked to showcase some of the brightest stars of the AUSL. MLB is a major investor in the startup league.
Fans who stuck around following the Futures Game should now know the names Alyssa Brito and Rachel Garcia.
For Team Howard, Brito slammed 16 home runs during her first at-bat against Team Rollins in the semifinals. Brito, who plays for the AUSL’s Carolina Blaze, scored 24 of her team’s 36 total points in the win.
“Shout out to Brito Bombs, man,” Mailata said, offering a nickname for his teammate. “Shoutout Brito Bombs. … She carried our team today.”
In the next game, Garcia hit the event’s only walk-off home run to lift Team Victorino over Jones’ squad. Garcia carried that momentum into the event’s final matchup, scoring a game-high 18 total at-bat points to secure Team Victorino the championship win.
“Being on this stage has been just very humbling,” Garcia said. “Especially because softball, for us, is just still growing. We’re still trying to get the recognition that we want and we deserve. Just being able to put softball on the map.”
AUSL star Rachel Garcia was named the MVP of the event.Yong Kim / Staff Photographer
Added Brito: “I think it’s incredible that All Star Weekend wanted us to be in this main event that everyone wanted to come to. It just goes to show that if you give women a platform, we’re going to use it and we’re going to take advantage of it.”
DUBAI, United Arab Emirates — U.S. President Donald Trump says the United States is “reinstating” a blockade on Iran in the Strait of Hormuz and will charge ships for safe passage.
He made the announcement in a post on social media Monday, after another exchange of fire between the United States and Iran over the critical waterway.
A fifth of the world’s oil and gas passed through the strait before Iran asserted control over it after the start of the war.
The United States and Iran each asserted Monday they controlled the Strait of Hormuz after a weekend of attacks across the Middle East, further threatening any diplomacy to end the war.
The latest exchange was sparked by an Iranian attack on a container ship on Sunday in the Strait of Hormuz. Iran has asserted control over the critical waterway for international oil and gas since the United States and Israel started the war on Feb. 28.
Iran says it has the right to manage traffic through the strait and potentially charge fees in accordance with an interim peace deal reached last month. The U.S. and others dispute that, citing international law on freedom of navigation, and the American military has tried to establish an alternative route outside of Iranian control.
Calling into Fox News on Monday, U.S. President Donald Trump said, “we’re taking over the Strait.” Trump also said that “everything was agreed to” in an 11-hour meeting Sunday, but that Iranian negotiators had called back later and suggested changes. He did not elaborate.
Iran and the U.S. are nearly halfway through the 60-day period in which they were supposed to negotiate a permanent end to the war and an agreement on Iran’s disputed nuclear program. Instead, a series of attacks over the strait have raised fears of a return to all-out war and further disruption to the global economy.
Oil prices jumped nearly 5% on Monday before falling back. U.S. benchmark crude, which had risen to nearly $120 a barrel at the height of the war, was trading at around $72.92. Markets were mixed.
US says it has struck dozens of targets in Iran
The U.S. military said it struck dozens of sites in the strikes Monday, including air defense systems, radar sites, missile and drone equipment, and small boats. It said Iran does not control the Strait of Hormuz.
The European Union’s top diplomat, Kaja Kallas, called for the strait to be open, as it was before the war. “Freedom of navigation has to be respected,” she said.
Mohammed Mokhber, an adviser to Iran’s supreme leader, wrote that Tehran would fight for the strait.
“We defend it so that in the future, for the passage of our ships, we are not forced to pay tribute to the enemy!” he wrote on X. “Retreating from this vital matter has no place in the mind of any friend of Iran.”
Iran’s paramilitary Revolutionary Guard, a key power center in the country’s theocracy that controls its ballistic missile arsenal, said the Strait of Hormuz is “our territory, and we will not allow a rogue and child-killing army from the other side of the world to continue its illegal interference in it.”
U.S.-allied Arab states report another wave of attacks
Missile alert sirens sounded three times Monday in Bahrain, home to the U.S. Navy’s 5th Fleet, and Kuwait said it was intercepting hostile fire. There was no immediate word on damage in either country.
In Jordan, the kingdom’s military said it shot down four Iranian missiles in an incident that “resulted in zero casualties or material damage.” Jordan also hosts U.S. military forces and aircraft.
In Iran, authorities reported attacks in Hormozgan, Khuzestan and Markazi provinces and said at least two people were killed, according to state-run IRNA news agency. Semiofficial Iranian media also reported strikes in the eastern Sistan and Baluchestan province, which is on a coast of the Gulf of Oman.
The attacks continued hours after the U.S. ended its strikes — again raising the possibility of Gulf Arab states retaliating against Iran. There were unclaimed attacks on Iran on Thursday.
A base belonging to the armed wing of an Iranian Kurdish opposition group based in Iraq’s semiautonomous Kurdistan region came under drone attack on Monday, according to Rebaz Sharifi, a local commander. There were no immediate details on casualties or damage.
No group immediately claimed responsibility. Iran supports a number of powerful militias in Iraq.
Fighting focuses on the status of the strait
Early on Sunday, the U.S. military said it hit some 140 targets, including missile and drone launch sites, ammunition dumps and communication equipment — a far-heavier set of attacks than in two previous rounds of strikes in the last week.
Iran retaliated by attacking nations in the region hosting U.S. military forces.
Sunday’s attacks stretched to Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, Jordan and even Oman — which shares the strait with Iran. Oman, which long has been an interlocutor between Tehran and the West, summoned an Iranian diplomat to criticize the attack.
Iran’s chokehold on the strait has loosened as the U.S. military supports vessels moving along a southern route hugging the coastline of Oman. That new route has angered Iran, which has launched repeated attacks on ships using it.
Traffic through the Oman route dropped over the weekend “to minimal levels, indicating that operators continue to prioritize perceived security over more direct transit options,” the ship-tracking website MarineTraffic.com said.
Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei blamed Washington for the chaos gripping the region.
“Considering the memorandum of understanding’s fourteen clauses, the Americans have, in this brief period, in one way or another, slaughtered its various components,” Baghaei told journalists Monday.
Baghaei also said Iran wouldn’t agree to visits by the International Atomic Energy Agency to nuclear sites the U.S. bombed in 2025, where Tehran’s stockpile of highly enriched uranium is believed to be entombed.
Trump suggested last week that the interim deal in the war was “over.” But mediators, including Pakistan, Qatar and Egypt, have continued efforts to reach a final agreement to end the war.
A regional official involved in mediation, speaking on condition of anonymity to discuss the sensitive talks, said efforts to shore up the ceasefire continued Sunday. Pakistan said its foreign minister spoke by phone with Iran’s top diplomat and urged “de-escalation” on both sides.
Temple University will make student retention a focus in the year ahead with new programming for the first-year student experience and other efforts in the works as it seeks to reverse troubling trends in enrollment and matriculation.
Temple president John Fry and former interim provost David Boardman discussed the moves in an interview after the executive committee of the board of trustees approved a budget Wednesday that included a tuition increase and about 40 layoffs, the latest in a string of staff reduction efforts.
“We really want to mitigate any issues that we have around retention and really improve the success of our students through their journey through Temple,” said Boardman, who remains dean of Temple’s College of Media and Communication and the university’s chief strategy officer.
The move comes as the university copes with a slide in freshman retention. A decade ago, about 90% of freshmen returned for their sophomore year. By last fall, that percentage was 82%, and an internal Temple report that The Inquirer obtained in April showed there is concern the percentage will slip below 80% this fall.
Temple experienced a 27% decline in its U.S. enrollment over the last eight years, and falling retention is part of the problem. The school lost an average of $200 million annually during that period, the internal report said.
Employees from student affairs, enrollment management, and academic affairs have worked on the redesign of the first-year experience with support from the National Institute for Student Success, Fry said.
“This work has helped us identify barriers and create a more coordinated approach to orientation, advising, communication, and student support,” he said in a message to the campus Wednesday.
Boardman said the single biggest barrier is financial.
“There’s a very strong correlation here between the financial pressures on students and their ability to persist and graduate,” he said.
Academic success in the classroom early on is another, he said.
“There’s … a very strong correlation between first-year, even first-semester, GPA and their ability to persist,” he said. “That is tied directly to these other sorts of strategies that we’ve been talking about in terms of making sure that students have the proper preparation when they go into the classroom and the proper support around them.”
The new first-year experience is still under development, Boardman said.
“It’s just a more coordinated approach to how we bring students on board, making sure that they have the right and ample advising even before they get here,” he said.
Fry said the university is awaiting results from an audit by the institute, which began as a result of Temple’s involvement in the University Innovation Alliance, a national group aimed at graduating more students from low-income families. The results are expected in early to mid-fall, he said, which likely will kick off a university-wide discussion on retention.
“That’s going to help us think about first-year experience, but many other topics beyond that regarding retention,” he said. “It’s going to be a real moment for us.”
Several new leaders who will be integral to improving student retention are joining Temple this summer, he said. They include Evelyn Thimba as vice president for enrollment management; Elizabeth “Libby” Wentz as provost; and Heather Servaty-Seib as vice provost for undergraduate education. They will join Jodi Bailey Accavallo, vice president for student affairs, who has been working on the issue.
The university also has aimed at improving its recruitment, admission, and support of transfer students, and that also has shown results, Boardman said. The university is using a more streamlined process for the transfer of credits, primarily from community colleges, he said.
“In this enrollment cycle, our transfer enrollments are up almost 100% from the previous year,” he said.
The U.S. women’s soccer team will return to town in October for a game that will be about as big as a friendly gets.
The reigning Olympic champions will face reigning World Cup champion Spain at Subaru Park on Oct. 13, three days after the teams open a two-game set in Washington.
It will be the U.S. women’s team’s 16th all-time visit to the region, dating back to 1991, and its 10th game at the Union’s home. Its last game at Lincoln Financial Field was soon after the team’s 2019 World Cup title, when it set an attendance record for a standalone friendly that the venue still holds.
Various rounds of ticket presales start Tuesday, and sales to the general public start Thursday.
Penn State product Sam Coffey (right) battling for the ball during the U.S. women’s team’s game against Portugal at Subaru Park last October.Elizabeth Robertson / Staff Photographer
If Spain brings all of its stars, the roster would include three-time reigning world player of the year Aitana Bonmatí, two-time winner Alexia Putellas, a further all-world playmaker in Mariona Caldentey, one of the planet’s top young players in Salma Paralluelo, and Gotham FC’s Esther González.
They’re all well-known to women’s soccer fans here, with Putellas’ star power the biggest of the lot. That was confirmed this month when the longtime Barcelona star picked England’s London City Lionesses over the Boston Legacy as her new club home, and made the announcement in New York alongside club owner Michele Kang — who also owns the Washington Spirit.
Putellas told The Athletic that she sees England’s Women’s Super League as “the most competitive league.” Whether or not she meant it as a shot at the NWSL, it certainly made noise on both sides of the Atlantic. The NWSL has long trumpeted holding that title, and with plenty of evidence. But the top teams in England’s circuit spend more on salaries, and don’t have the same roster limits.
Kang, who in January signed Trinity Rodman to a new contract in D.C. that was a world record at the time, promptly told The Athletic that “there are clearly some sensitivities, but I’m not here to promote one league over the other. I want everyone to move up.”
Alexia putellas (bottom left) left Barcelona this summer after helping the Spanish club win its fourth women’s Champions League title.Kirsty Wigglesworth
Penn State product Sam Coffey, who has played for the Portland Thorns and Manchester City, was equally diplomatic in a news conference Monday morning.
“I personally refuse to draw any comparison between [the] NWSL and WSL — I just think, quite honestly, it’s a waste of time,” she said. “Both leagues are unbelievably talented and so hard to play in, in very different ways. And I just feel fortunate that I’ve gotten now to play in both of them, and I know that that has helped my game so much.”
Fans will be happy to settle this on the field, and they had already waited a while for a U.S.-Spain matchup. The teams haven’t played each other since October of 2022 in Spain, 10 months before La Roja confirmed its arrival as a power with the World Cup title.
Just one of the teams’ four meetings so far has come on U.S. soil, a tight 1-0 U.S. win at the 2020 SheBelieves Cup. The most famous was at the 2019 World Cup, a 2-1 U.S. win in the round of 16 that sent the Americans toward their triumph — but also announced Spain’s potential.
Megan Rapinoe (right) challenging Vicky Losada during the U.S.-Spain game at the 2019 World Cup.Alessandra Tarantino
There was hope that the teams would meet at the 2024 Olympics. But Brazil beat Spain in the semifinals, and the Americans took the final to win their first major title since 2019.
As next year’s World Cup starts to come onto the horizon, the U.S. finally has an opportunity to play a European team for the first time since facing Italy last December. The continent’s schedule is usually filled by continental competitions: World Cup qualifiers, European championship qualifiers, and the UEFA Nations League.
Spain is free because it won its World Cup qualifying group. Other powers — including England, Italy, the Netherlands, and Norway — are headed for playoffs in October and November.
“We’ve desperately wanted to get Spain on our schedule, but the difficulties of scheduling the top teams during the women’s international calendar are well-known,” U.S. manager Emma Hayes said in a statement. “So to be able to get these two games on the East Coast will be the perfect tests before we head into World Cup qualifying at the end of the year.”
Spain routed England 4-0 in a World Cup qualifier in June to take first place in their group and clinch a ticket to Brazil.Joan Mateu Parra
Concacaf’s World Cup qualifying tournament is Thanksgiving week in Houston and suburban Dalllas. The Americans play El Salvador in the quarterfinals, and the four winners of that round will clinch berths in the first 48-team women’s World Cup. The losers will play off for two tickets to FIFA’s inter-confederation playoffs.
The top three non-U.S. finishers in the bracket also qualify for the 2028 Olympics. (The U.S. is already in as host.)
“Ultimately, our goal is qualifying first and foremost, and I cannot think of a better team to play against in order to prepare for that to happen,” Coffey said. “I wouldn’t say it’s a measuring stick, necessarily, of Europe versus America, but I do think it’s just going to be such amazing prep for us. We have so much respect for Spain and the team that they are, and it will be an amazing challenge.”
U.S. manager Emma Hayes (left) talking with her players when the team trained at the Union’s facilities last October.Jonathan Tannenwald
Most of the rest of her remarks were just as polite, but she did put a little spice in the pot.
“I don’t think we ever approach anything as just a friendly — I think we’re a little bit too competitive for that,” Coffey said. A few minutes later, she added: “Of course they’re an incredible team, but so are we. And I think when we’re at our best we can play and beat anyone.”
Philadelphia will get to see firsthand if she’s right.
Inside the visitors’ clubhouse in Cincinnati last week, an unknown member of the Phillies joked on the whiteboard on the wall: Should Marsh wear a grill on the All-Star Game red carpet? Yes/No.
The resounding answer, by tally marks, was yes.
But don’t count on it. The poll was just some playful ribbing ahead of Brandon Marsh’s big moment, now that the Phillies outfielder has garnered some national recognition with his first career All-Star selection.
“It’ll be pretty normal. He’s got good style,” Alec Bohm said of what he expects from Marsh’s red carpet debut. “He’s gonna look good.”
It’s been fun for the Phillies to watch Marsh this year, but perhaps no one has enjoyed witnessing his rise more than Bohm and Bryson Stott. The three of them have been close since Marsh was acquired from the Angels at the 2022 trade deadline.
Early on, the group that also included former Phillies Mickey Moniak, Matt Vierling, and Nick Maton became known to the fan base as the “Daycare,” because of their youth and postgame antics.
Brandon Marsh (right), Bryson Stott (center), and Alec Bohm (left) are no longer the Daycare. “Guys get called up now, and they ask us the questions, and we’re not the ones really asking questions anymore,” Stott said.Yong Kim / Staff Photographer
But now Bohm is 29, while Marsh and Stott are both 28. They’re not the Daycare anymore; they haven’t been for a while.
“Guys get called up now, and they ask us the questions, and we’re not the ones really asking questions anymore,” Stott said. “But it kind of feels like Marsh was with us during COVID at the alt site, and playing with us in the minor leagues. Just from the first day he came over, it was like he’s been here forever.”
This year feels a little different, though. Not even because of Marsh’s production — if you dig into his stats, you’ll find that the lefty has been a .300 hitter going back to May 2025, after he dug himself out of a brutal slump to start that season. So his .301 batting average and .829 OPS aren’t anything new to those close to him.
It’s different because people on the outside are starting to take note.
Marsh was the top vote-getter among National League outfielders during the final phase of All-Star voting. He was the first Phillie to secure a starting spot in the game, though he has since been joined by Kyle Schwarber and Cristopher Sánchez.
It seems like practically every other day, Marsh is asked to step in front of the cameras postgame to address a clutch hit or big moment he had. He even recently starred in a commercial for Victus’ new cheesesteak bats, which he did in one take. (Stott, who has dabbled in advertisements himself, conceded, “He looked pretty good.”) Suddenly, Marsh has become one of the faces of the 2026 Phillies.
Brandon Marsh is having a career season in 2026, batting .301 at the break with 15 home runs and 46 RBIs.Yong Kim / Staff Photographer
“I think out of all the people I’ve played with, nobody deserves the — not that he’s out here playing for attention — but nobody deserves the recognition that he’s gotten more,” Bohm said.
According to Stott, all of this noise makes no difference to Marsh himself.
“You can ask him what’s going on in world news, and he has no idea. So I doubt he cares if people are talking about him or not,” Stott said.
Bohm and Stott agree that Marsh cares more about his teammates’ success than his own. Earlier this year, interim manager Don Mattingly used Edmundo Sosa as a pinch-hitter for Marsh against the Dodgers, despite Marsh’s numbers — even against lefties — being superior on paper. When Sosa ultimately delivered the go-ahead home run, Marsh was the first teammate to embrace him in the dugout.
“Tonight just wasn’t my night,” Marsh said afterward. “It was Sosa’s night.”
That, according to Bohm, is a moment that sums up Marsh as a person.
“He’s one of the best teammates I’ve ever had,” Bohm said.
Mindset is a huge part of the success Marsh has sustained since May 2025. He tries to stay consistent every day, not allowing himself to get too high or too low because of his results. It’s an approach that he said he has picked up from Schwarber.
It helps that this season, Marsh has quieted the discussions of his ability to hit left-handed pitching, and has entrenched himself as an everyday player. If he goes 0-for-4 one day, he knows he will get another at-bat the next, no matter the handedness of the starter.
But even last year when he was still in a platoon, Marsh approached his preparation the same.
“You couldn’t tell if he was in the lineup or really out of the lineup, just based off what his everyday routine was,” Stott said. “You couldn’t tell. He’s doing the same thing, and just does it over and over and over, and it’s just who he is.”
This year, Bohm often is one spot in the batting order behind Marsh against right-handed starters. From his point of view in the on-deck circle, he hasn’t seen any major changes in Marsh’s swing from seasons past. Bohm said he’s been impressed watching Marsh’s two-strike approach, but there’s not much else he can point to as different.
Because Bohm has always seen this potential in Marsh.
“He’s always been a really good player,” he said. “I remember playing against him in the Fall League, and I’m thinking, this dude could hit. He’s a good player.”
Now, the rest of the baseball world is seeing it too.
The All-Star Game is back in Philly for the first time in 30 years, and The Inquirer has your bases covered. Join Phillies reporter Scott Lauber and Phillies beat writer Lochlahn March for a special All-Star episode of Gameday Central, sponsored by Xfinity, at 2 p.m. Tuesday. They’ll be on site at Citizens Bank Park to discuss All-Star week, recap the Phillies’ first half, and look ahead to the trade deadline and beyond.
LAS VEGAS — One thought popped into Johni Broome’s head upon receiving a slick bounce pass in the lane from Labaron Philon Jr.
“I see two people that [weren’t] on my team,” the 76ers’ big man recalled. “And I just think, ‘Bodies! Bodies! Bodies!’”
No matter. Broome elevated to dunk the ball over both defenders, embodying his Summer League so far. He has compiled a double-double in both of the Sixers’ games in Las Vegas, the types of forceful performances his team wants to see from a second-year player. More impressive is that those efforts have come in his first legitimate game-like action since late-February knee surgery, which essentially ended a rookie season that never got off the ground.
“My first season wasn’t the best,” Broome said Thursday. “I can see that myself. That’s why I put in a lot of work to have a better second year. Obviously, I want to make a better impression and I’ve got more to do. I just want to keep proving myself each and every day, for Philly.”
Broome was the Sixers’ second-round pick last summer after blossoming into an All-American at Auburn. The 23-year-old played in only 11 NBA regular-season games as a rookie, but did excel in stints with the G League’s Delaware Blue Coats. Less than a month after a 50-point, 17-rebound outburst with Delaware in January, Broome tore his meniscus in what he described as his first significant injury.
He called his early surgery recovery “very smooth” and “perfect,” before an unexpected setback when swelling increased as he attempted to increase his workload. By the end of the Sixers’ season, though, Broome had progressed to full-contact pregame workouts and off-day scrimmaging. He played garbage time in two playoff games against the New York Knicks. Broome then spent June working out with young teammates at the Sixers’ facility, often returning at night for a second session.
Johni Broome tore his meniscus during his rookie season.Monica Herndon / Staff Photographer
Leading into Summer League, coach T.J. DiLeo set goals for Broome: shoot three-pointers (he is a shaky 2-of-12 through two games in Las Vegas); defend with physicality and proper positioning; take care of the ball; and “control the game” as a sound decision-maker. Those winning traits could help Broome make up for his limited athleticism, which the most skeptical could say make him a “tweener” who is too good for the G League but not quite NBA-caliber.
“We should be able to play through him a little bit,” DiLeo said of Broome.
Broome acknowledged feeling “a little fatigued” after his first game Thursday, yet still totaled 19 points and 13 rebounds in a 101-93 Sixers victory over the Detroit Pistons.
He followed ballhandlers downhill to get in range to grab eight offensive rebounds and go back up for putbacks. He established immediate chemistry with 2026 first-round pick Philon, which has flowed from the court to their NBA 2K video game battles. After Thursday’s win, Broome and Philon stood at the back of the media scrum to playfully ask each other a question.
Broome carried his production over to Saturday, when he amassed 23 points, 11 rebounds, and three assists in a 100-93 overtime win over the Indiana Pacers.
When Broome followed his own miss just before halftime, several members of the Sixers’ bench flexed and hollered in celebration. After the break, Broome hit a baseline jumper and a three-pointer to ignite his team’s dominant third quarter.
Later, the Sixers went to Broome out of a timeout for an inside finish, an attempt to squash the Pacers’ rally. In overtime, Broome collected the go-ahead putback to help seal the Sixers’ victory.
It was another step in Broome’s quest to prove he is healthy — and still has NBA potential.
“He’s hopefully past what his injury was,” DiLeo said, “and better than what he was before.”
MLB All-Star Week concludes Tuesday night with the 96th midsummer classic at Citizen’s Bank Park (Fox, 8 p.m.). The Phillies have six players representing the National League, including starting pitcher Cristopher Sànchez.
Kyle Schwarber loses Home Run Derby to Jordan Walker
Phillies pitcher Jhoan Duran embraces teammate Kyle Schwarber during Monday’s derby.Yong Kim / Staff Photographer
Kyle Schwarber needed to take a breath.
Schwarber went deep seven times in a nine-swing span in the semifinals of Monday night’s Home Run Derby. With three swings left, he needed to regroup.
And so, Schwarber did what any slugger in a hometown Derby would. He took a beat and waved to the Phillies fans in sold-out Citizens Bank Park to make more noise.
Schwarber won the round and nearly the Derby. But the Cardinals’ Jordan Walker, who drew cheers from the 43,863 paying customers after each swing that didn’t result in a homer, smashed four homers in a row in bonus time to eke out a 12-11 victory in the finals.
St. Louis Cardinals Jordan Walker won the Home Run Derby in Philadelphia Monday. Yong Kim / Staff Photographer
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Second-round results
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First-round results
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Playoff atmosphere at The Bank thanks to Schwarber
Phillies fans cheer as Phillies Kyle Schwarber advances to the finals of the Home Run Derby.Monica Herndon / Staff Photographer
Willson Contreras last ball at the second round of the Home Run Derby might as well have been the last out of the ninth inning of game seven of the World Series.
The crowd at Citizen Bank were locked in during the Red Sox first baseman head to head competition against Kyle Schwarber for a place in the final round.
Every shallow or foul ball was as met with mocking applauds, and every skipped pitch with roaring boos.
Contreras lost to South Philly’s Schwarbomb machine by one homer, and it was Bedlam at the Bank.
Kyle Schwarber swings his way into the Home Run Derby finals. Monica Herndon / Staff Photographer
Kyle Schwarber will face Jordan Walker in the final round of the Home Run Derby.
Willson Contreras, booed often by the Philly crowd, was only able to hit 8 home runs, one shy of Schwarber’s nine.
Two Phillies players have won the Derby — Bobby Abreu in 2005 and Ryan Howard in 2006.
This is Schwarber’s third appearance in the event. He didn’t make it out of the first round in 2022, and finished second place to then-Washington Nationals slugger Bryce Harper in 2018.
Philly fans bring something new to the Home Run Derby – boos
A fan reacts after catching a home run during Monday night’s Derby. Monica Herndon / Staff Photographer
Fans who traveled to Philadelphia for the Home Run Derby were introduced early to the city’s love language.
Phillies fans responded with deafening boos to the name of every player that isn’t called Bryce Harper or Kyle Schwarber during the pregame show.
And fans of other teams seem to like the passion.
“I think it’s awesome,” Pete Gibson said. “It’s sports. Support your team. Let’s go.”
The 35-year-old tattoo artist traveled from Nashville for the home run derby with his friend, Dave Putman, 33.
For the past five years, the duo has been attending the pre-All-Star game event, and they came up with a tradition. They each spin a wheel to determine what jersey they will wear. And the wheel chose the San Fransisco Giants for Gibson this year. But that didn’t stop him from also rocking a Kansas City Royals cap.
“We support on the head the teams we love, and on the body the teams we randomly draw,” Gibson said.
Carlos Luna, 34, also didn’t mind the boos. The New York Yankees fan came to Philly from the Big Apple, and said he enjoys the sense of rivalry Phillies fans brought to this derby.
“I see how you guys feel,” he said. “I don’t expect anything else.”
Had the derby took place in Yankee stadium, his fellow New Yorkers’ boos would be more targeted — “if it’s a Red Sox player, we probably boo him” — but Luna was okay with the Philadelphia’s blanket boo approach.
Phillies fans’ reputation, it turns out, precedes them. The city was welcoming, and the boos add to fun.
“I love me some overt negativity,” Orioles fan Connor Way, 31 from Maryland, said. “I feel like everyone knows Philly is like that.”
Schwarber hits 10 homers, setting up a showdown with Harper
Kyle Schwarber swings during his Home Run Derby at-bat. Yong Kim / Staff Photographer
Kyle Schwarber missed on his first five swings and only managed to hit 10 home runs during his first-round Home Run Derby appearance.
That leave Schwarber in fourth place with teammate Bryce Harper coming up to bat. Harper will either advance and knock out Schwarber, or come up short and be eliminated from the competition.
Either way, one Phillies player will make it to the second round.
Jac Calianone hits just 8 homers, but one goes into upper deck
Jac Caglianone watches one of his homers leave Citizens Bank Park.Yong Kim / Staff Photographer
The Royals’ Jac Caglianone got off to a very slow start, but caught a groove with four straight homers — capped by a 477-foot shot to the third deck — that got the crowd back into it.
Caglione also sent one over the shrubbery in the batters’ eye that got a big cheer. He finished with eight, well behind Contreras and Walker.
Jordan Walker takes a swing during his Derby at-bat.Yong Kim / Staff Photographer
Cardinals right fielder Jordan Walker got off to a hot start, but appeared to tire as his round went on.
He managed to tie Willson Contreras with his 13th homer with the “magenta ball,” which is used for the final swing of the round, sending it 382 feet into the left field seats.
Kyle Schwarber stands in a boxing ring during player introductions. Monica Herndon / Staff Photographer
This year’s Home Run Derby jumped to Netflix from ESPN, which had broadcast the event for more than 30 years.
While Barry Bonds and Anthony Rizzo were terrific on Netflix’s pregame show, a few technical glitches and unnecessary cross promotion rubbed some sports media pundits and fans the wrong way.
The most noticeable issue was Netflix turning to Will Ferrell and his costars from The Hawk (coming soon to the streamer) to help introduce the players. Maybe it was funny, but everything they said was drowned out by the crowd during the broadcast.
Will Ferrell introducing Bryce Harper at the #HRDerby:
Maybe I'm way off, but I don't think the Will Ferrell-Luke Wilson thing is working at all. (Honestly, I get the sense that *they* also know it isn't working.)
With Pa. budget approved, Lt. Gov. Davis takes in a ballgame
Pennsylvania Lt. Gov Austin Davis meets with Cowboys Hall of Famer Michael Irvin ahead of the Home Run Derby. Abraham Gutman / staff
The negotiations are over and the state budget is done — so Lt. Gov. Austin Davis is enjoying a change of pace at Citizen Bank Park.
The Democrat is in Philadelphia for the MLB Home Run Derby, the latest major sporting event Pennsylvania has hosted this year, following the NFL draft in Pittsburg and FIFA World Cup games in Philly. And the state’s second top executive has been proud.
“Pennsylvania this year really showed how diverse and how great our commonwealth is,” Davis said. “I think we absolutely rolled out the red carpet to welcome the country and the world.”
Wearing a Pittsburg Pirate’s polo, Davis stood behind home plate before the game to watch batting practice.
He roots for the Phillies — when they don’t play the Pirates, of course — but at the end of the day he’s a “Pittsburg boy through and through” and has to “fly the black and gold.”
Josh Shapiro’s second-in-command took in the carnival-like ambiance on the field, surrounded by baseball and sports royalty. He stopped Michael Irvin, former-Dallas Cowboys wide receiver, for a photo.
The prolonged budget season was so all consuming, Davis said, he didn’t have the mental space to think too much about who he thinks will win tonight’s Derby.
“It’s just going be a great time, to see so many folks come out tonight and enjoy this great ballpark,” he said
Phillies Bryce Harper (left) walks with his National League All Stars during batting practice Monday. Yong Kim / Staff PhotographerFans reach for a ball hit during batting practice at Citizens Bank Park. Yong Kim / Staff PhotographerKyle Schwarber speaks to reporters Monday afernoonMonica Herndon / Staff PhotographerPhillies interim manager Don Mattingly sports an All-Star cap.Monica Herndon / Staff PhotographerEagles general manager Howie Roseman takes in the festivities. Alex Coffey /
You can cross at least one name off the Phillies list of potential acquisitions at the trade deadline.
Before Monday’s Home Run Derby, Twins center fielder Byron Buxton made it clear that he would not consider waiving his no-trade clause even for a trade to a contender.
The 32-year-old center fielder has long been mentioned as an ideal trade target for a Phillies team that is in desperate need of right-handed pop. He certainly brings that in abundance, and at a premium position, with 25 home runs in 335 plate appearances thus far this season. But Buxton has been steadfast in his loyalty both to the state of Minnesota and to the organization that drafted him No. 2 overall in 2012.
“I’ve got family,” Buxton explained on Monday. “My family loves Minnesota. I’ve got two kids that grew up there, one of them was born there. It’s a special place not only for me but for my family. You’re not just moving me, you’re moving my whole family and what we have built in Minnesota.”
Buxton also sounded an optimistic note about the Twins, who have outperformed expectations with a 48=49 record despite last season’s firesale that included the trade of closer Jhoan Duran to the Phillies.
“What we have there and what we can accomplish, we’ve got something special going and it’s something I want to be a part of,” Buxton said.
Tigers rookie All Star Kevin McGonigle grew up in Delco and still has a Cole Hamels poster on his wall
Tigers’ Kevin McGonigle speak to reporters Monday.Yong Kim / Staff Photographer
Kevin McGonigle idolized Chase Utley, went to Phillies games with his buddies, and had posters on the wall of his Delaware County bedroom.
“I still have a Cole Hamels poster on my wall,” McGonigle said on the eve of playing in Tuesday’s All Star Game at Citizens Bank Park.
The Phillies could have drafted McGonigle in 2023. They scouted him at Bonner-Prendergast, worked him out at the ballpark, and were well aware of the infielder from Ridley who grew up a diehard. But the Phillies passed on McGonigle and drafted Aidan Miller with the 27th overall pick while McGonigle went No. 37 to Detroit.
Kevin McGonigle is taking batting practice right now at CBP.
McGonigle, 21, is an All Star as a rookie with a .812 OPS while playing shortstop and third base. Miller, 22, has not played this season and underwent a procedure last month to address a recurring back issue. He’s expected to be sidelined until late July or early August.
“I knew the Phillies were coming up to pick but I didn’t get a phone call so I knew that wasn’t going to work out,” McGonigle said. “But it all worked out perfectly, I’d say. I’m in the spot I want to be in: Detroit. The city, the fans, it’s unbelievable with how they’ve treated me so far. Eight more years and hopefully more with that city. I can’t thank that fan base enough.”
McGonigle went to a Phillies playoff game with his family in 2023, a month after he finished his first minor-league season with Detroit. A year earlier, he wore Phillies gear to Red October. But now the fan was employed by another team. He wore neutral colors that night but admitted it took some time to shed his fandom. But he’s not shedding his accent.
“Sometimes, I’ll say ‘Wooder’ and they’ll be like ‘What did you say?,’” McGonigle said. “And I’ll go, ‘I’m sorry. Wah-ter.’ It’s just how I grew up saying it. I’ll say some things differently being from Delaware County and they’ll give me crap about the way I say things. It’s just funny to me. I don’t even realize I say it in a different way. ‘What did you say?’ ‘What do you mean?”
McGonigle hung out Sunday night with his Delco buddies and slept Sunday night in his childhood bedroom, the one with the Hamels poster on the wall. For one day, the trip from Ridley to South Philly was his route to work. Perhaps it could have become his usual trip.
“It took a lot of work to get where I am today,” McGonigle said. “And the main reason is where I’m from. That’s Delco.”
In front of home crowd, Bryce Harper is ready to ‘launch’
Philadelphia Phillies infielder Bryce Harper speaks during the National League Media Availability at Citizens Bank Park on Monday, July 13, 2026 in Philadelphia.Monica Herndon / Staff Photographer
Bryce Harper does not take batting practice outside often, as he prefers to finetune his swing before games in the ballpark’s indoor batting cages. But when he does swing outside, he acts like he’s in a Home Run Derby.
“When I go out for BP, I want to launch,” Harper said Monday, a few hours before he’ll take part in the derby at Citizens Bank Park. “That’s the only time I go out there, is to launch and feel that.”
Harper said he has hit batting practice homers at Citizens Bank Park into the third deck in right field and onto Ashburn Alley. So the Alley is in play on Tuesday?
“For sure,” Harper said.
Harper said Monday night’s event will be his last Home Run Derby, which he won in 2018 in Washington while playing for the Nationals. His opponent that night in the final? Kyle Schwarber, who was then playing for the Cubs.
“I just remember the cinematic movie thing,” Schwarber said. “… That last 45 seconds, he just catches fire and starts peeling them off left and right. You sit back and it’s like you’re watching a movie. It was made to be and it was really cool to see.”
Harper said he stopped regularly taking batting practice outside in 2015 at the suggestion of Matt Williams, who was then Washington’s hitting coach. He can still tell in the indoor cage if he hit a ball hard. But sometimes he does wander outside to put on a show. On Monday, the fans will get a glimpse of it.
“I hope everyone enjoys it,” Harper said. “I hope everyone sees what Philly is all about. Every year we get into the postseason, they see our fans. I think that’s a big look for free agents and possible trade targets and things like that. They see our fan base, the style our fan base has, and how loud it is. It’s just a lot of fun to be a part of.”
Giant blue baseball gloves take over Home Run Derby outfield seats
Don’t adjust your television sets — those are not tiny fans trying to catch home runs in the outfield seats. It’s the giant gloves, courtesy ofd Geico.Yong Kim / Staff Photographer
There are going to be some massive gloves fielding home runs in the outfield seats at the Home Run Derby. Geico provided gigantic blue gloves for fans seated across 16 outfield sections at Citizens Bank Park.
But if you’re headed down to the park, don’t go discarding your regular-sized glove just yet. The gloves’ giant size makes them exceedingly hard to close. If you catch a home run inside it, it’ll probably just fall right out — if you can even hold it up.
Chase Utley: If I lived here, I’d work for the Phillies
Chase Utley poses for a selfie with a fan inside Sarcone’s Bakery on Monday.
Patrons of Sarcone’s Bakery — the 108-year-old South Philadelphia staple — are accustomed to seeing familiar faces behind the counter. On Monday, guests were served by a new member of the Sarcone’s family: Chase Utley.
The Phillies legend helped serve tomato pie to fans lined up around the corner as a part of the bakery’s partnership with sports apparel company ’47. The two companies teamed up to host a pop-up inside the bakery. Guests who purchased food received an exclusive Sarcone’s T-shirt and hat, produced by ’47.
After Utley finished up behind Sarcone’s counter, The Inquirer caught up with the former second baseman, who will be inducted into the Phillies Wall of Fame next month …
Q: We’re at Sarcones today. You just got done serving and meeting some fans. Could you tell me a little about that experience?
It’s good to be back in Philadelphia in a historic place like Sarcone’s. It just brings back so many different memories. Interacting with all the fans, talking about some old times, some stories we had over the years was fantastic. I’m happy that Sarcone’s had me out here.
Once or twice a month I’d roll through this area, stop at Sarcone’s [Deli], and grab a pie or a cheesesteak. There was a certain point we would order a bunch for the clubhouse. They’ve done such a good job. The store has been here over 100 years, which is so unbelievable. They run a good ship.
Chase Utley works behind the counter at Sarcone’s Bakery in South Philly.Jessica Griffin / Staff Photographer
Q: You recently were hired by the Dodgers as the team’s special assistant to the president of baseball operations. Can you talk about how that’s going so far?
I finished my career in Los Angeles. I live in Los Angeles, and I wanted to still be around baseball, but still be around my family and not travel too much. So it made sense just to get under their hood a little bit and understand what they’re doing. I get to sleep in my bed every single night, it’s a fantastic organization. I love Philadelphia and the Phillies organization. If I lived in Philadelphia, I would do the same thing.
Phillies first baseman Bryce Harper answers questions during All-Star media day at Citizens Bank Park.Monica Herndon / Staff Photographer
Bryce Harper is flanked by Phillies media-relations director Kevin Gregg (left) and agent Scott Boras, who stand poised to pounce in case anyone utters the words “fan” and “duel.”
Bryce Harper joins the chorus of stars pitching LeBron James
Phillies outfield Bryce Harper was the latest Philly star to pitch NBA free agent and future Hall of Famer LeBron James on the idea of bringing his talents to South Philly, joining Saquon Barkley, Jaylen Brown, and others.
So what is Harper’s elevator pitch?
“Jaylen Brown, their whole team,” he told the media Monday. “They’ve got an opportunity. They’ve got four guys that are really good, got a great fan base.”
Bryce Harper Makes LeBron James free-agent pitch to come to Philly & Join Sixers
Mike Trout on Phillies: I’m an Angel, but ‘I love this city’
Angels outfielder and Vineland native Mike Trout, who will lead off for the American League at Tuesday night’s MLB All-Star Game, was asked Monday afternoon whether he’d ever like to play for the Phillies.
“I didn’t think I was going to hear this question,” he said sarcastically before continuing. “You know, I hear this a lot. Like I said before, I enjoy coming to Philly. I’m an Angel, obviously. I’ve got a no-trade clause, so it’s all my decision. But, like I said, I love this city.”
Chris Sale calls Zack Wheeler snub a ‘head-scratcher’
Phillies fans — and former players — aren’t alone in wondering why starting pitcher Zack Wheeler, who delivered another gem on Sunday against the Tigers, wasn’t among the players initially selected to represent the National League at this year’s MLB All-Star Game in home ballpark.
Braves starter Chris Sale, a 10-time All-Star and former Cy Young winner, said Monday during media day at Citizens Bank Park that the decision not to pick Wheeler, who ultimately turned down a last-minute invite from MLB, was a “head-scratcher, to say the least.”
Chris Sale says Zack Wheeler not making the All-Star team is a "head-scratcher, to say the least."
"His numbers are better than mine, and I'm sitting here. I'll leave it at that." pic.twitter.com/oKIJ63YoAx
While the 37-year-old Sale is having a All-Star season — 9-6 with a 2.20 ERA, 1.112 WHIP, and 4.68 strikeout/walk ratio — Wheeler has indeed been better, posting a 2.13 ERA, 0.892 WHIP, and a 4.91 SO/BB ratio.
Wheeler’s WAR for pitchers (4.8) is second in the national league to just Cristopher Sànchez.
Kyle Schwarber vs. Bryce Harper: Who wins in a Home Run Derby?
// Timestamp 07/13/26 2:22pm
Kyle Schwarber will lead off for National League; Marsh will bat seventh
Phillies designated hitter Kyle Schwarber will hit leadoff for the National League at Tuesday’s MLB All-Star Game.Yong Kim / Staff Photographer
The starting lineups for Tuesday night’s MLB All-Star Game were revealed by the teams’ respective managers Monday at Citizens Bank Park.
The lineup behind Phillies ace Cristopher Sanchez, who gets the start on the mound for the National League, will begin with his Phillies teammate, designated hitter Kyle Schwarber. Outfielder Brandon Marsh will bat seventh for Dave Roberts’ NL squad. Here’s a look at the full order:
Kyle Schwarber, DH, Phillies
Juan Soto, LF, Mets
Freddie Freeman, 1B, Dodgers
CJ Abrams, SS, Nationals
Max Muncy, 3B, Dodgers
Ozzie Albies, 2B, Braves
Brandon Marsh, RF, Phillies
Andy Pages, CF, Dodgers
Drake Baldwin, C, Braves
Meanwhile, here’s a look at the starting lineup for John Schneider’s American League side, behind starting pitcher Dylan Cease of the Blue Jays:
Bryce Harper, Juan Soto, and Bobby Witt Jr. meet fans in Center City
Bryce Harper’s night may be booked with the Home Run Derby, but the Phillies first baseman spent some time earlier on Monday meeting and taking pictures with fans at an Under Armour pop-up event in Center City.
The company announced on Instagram that Harper, Bobby Witt Jr., and Juan Soto would be making an appearance at the Under Armour Dugout at 1190 Market Street to meet fans. By the time the event got underway around 11:30 a.m., the line extended down the city block.
Bryce Harper, Bobby Witt Jr., and Juan Soto are appearing at the Under Armour Dugout on 12th & Market for a fan meet and greet starting at 11:30. With five minutes until the start, the line currently extends all the way down to 11th & Market. pic.twitter.com/YtU1Zob4AQ
Witt Jr. signed baseballs and took photos before showing off his skills — or rather lack of skill — with a few rounds of Backyard Baseball.
Bobby Witt Jr. is a lot better at Major League Baseball than he is at Backyard Baseball. He put on a show for fans at the Under Armour meet and greet, but his skills were lacking. pic.twitter.com/HKug2HUN6D
And despite being a member of the rival New York Mets, there was love for Soto in Philly too, with fans lining up to take photos with him in front of the Under Armour logo.
Fans in Philly were also showing love to Juan Soto, taking pictures with him at the Under Armour store as well. pic.twitter.com/Z7i241dbxj
Harper and Soto will team up again tomorrow night when they represent the National League and go head-to-head with Witt and the American League in the All-Star Game.
— Mia Messina
// Timestamp 07/13/26 1:33pm
Exclusive All-Star Game merch is big business
Foocoos mini bobble head mystery boxes showcasing the few bobble heads you can open at the All Star Games Media Preview to showcase All-Star Week Events, New Food, and Commemorative Bell at the Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia, Pa., on Wednesday, July 8, 2026.Tyger Williams / Staff Photographer
Take me out to the gift shop.
The MLB All-Star Game has become a temporary retail city built around exclusivity, collectibility, and host-city pride. Fanatics’ 16,000-square-foot flagship at the ticketed All-Star Village at the Convention Center carries more than 400 product styles, while Aramark’s 7,500-square-foot ballpark store (open to the public without a ticket) offers about 400 All-Star items, roughly 75% exclusive.
Across the ballpark, All-Star Village, and MLB’s online stores, fans can choose from about 600 products, from the wild (there’s a sports jacket covered in the logos of all 30 teams) to the Philly-themed (‘47 Sports “Hit That Jawn” T-shirt) to the routine (Foocoos mini bobblehead figures sold in blind boxes) to genuine objets d’art (original 3D pop-art posters by artist Charles Fazzino. And T-shirts and hats and jerseys, of course.
Why buy? The retail analysts we spoke to say it all boils down to one thing: You want to prove you were there.
Bryce Harper responds to Inquirer gambling video investigation
First baseman Bryce Harper is one of the Phillies’ six All-Stars.Yong Kim / Staff Photographer
Bryce Harper, the Phillies All-Star first basemen, claimed on Monday that he was unknowingly working on behalf of FanDuel when he recorded a personalized video for a man with a gambling addiction who had placed millions of dollars in bets on the site.
Harper said on his verified Instagram account that he had joined the messaging site Cameo to engage with fans with paid videos but that “what happened here went beyond anything I knew about or approved.”
“I did not know this video would be used for commercial purposes,” Harper wrote. “The request included a short script. I read it in good faith. FanDuel then put its own logo on the video and used it as a gambling promotion. I did not know FanDuel would do this, I did not consent to it, and FanDuel had no right to do it.”
The Inquirer obtained a copy of the 21-second video from November 2024, which is marked with a blue FanDuel logo and shows Harper offering a greeting to the bettor, Terry Thompson, and Thompson’s son, by name.
Harper’s statement also said he has no affiliation with FanDuel and that “Contrary to the Inquirer’s suggestion, I did not know that the Cameo video would be used for a FanDuel VIP promotion.”
However, in the video Harper states that he’s reaching out at the request of Thompson’s VIP manager — “your host Bryttanni at FanDuel.” Harper also posted the Cameo script, which included the language about FanDuel.
The Inquirer reported on the video on Thursday. Harper had declined to comment until today. His statement came ahead of Monday night’s 2026 MLB Home Run Derby at Citizens Bank Park. A media availability is planned for this afternoon.
The Inquirer will continue to report on issues related to the growth of gambling addiction — among teens and adults — across Pennsylvania. If you, or someone you know, wants to speak with a reporter, please contact David Gambacorta or William Bender at dgambacorta@inquirer.com and wbender@inquirer.com
Ryan Howard talks Home Run Derby: I hope someone ‘hits that bell on the fly’
Philadelphia Phillies first baseman Ryan Howard (center) watches as his home run sails out of PNC Park in Pittsburgh during the 2006 Home Run Derby.ASSOCIATED PRESS
Twenty years ago, Ryan Howard launched baseballs into the Allegheny River in Pittsburgh and won MLB’s annual Home Run Derby.
In some ways, it launched his career.
Howard was the National League’s Rookie of the Year in 2005. But his star turn at the 2006 Derby came in the midst of a season in which he won NL MVP and became the foremost power hitter in the sport for a six-year stretch.
As the All-Star Game returns to Philadelphia for the first time in 30 years, Howard sat down with Phillies Extra, The Inquirer’s baseball podcast, to discuss the Phillies’ first half, his expectations for a Home Run Derby in Citizens Bank Park, and more.
Q: You played in three All-Star games in your career. You were the Home Run Derby champ in 2006. When I say All-Star Game, what sticks out to to you from your career?
A: When you say All-Star Game, it’s one of those things that when you’re younger, you always strive to want to be a part of. It’s kind of where, it’s the elite of the elite, if you will, and you’re always striving to try to make an All-Star team, and you’re always striving to try to win a championship. So to be able to participate on the All-Star teams and be recognized by the fans and your peers as one of the top players, in the middle of the season, is something that’s always such a great honor to have. And it means you’re doing something right. So you always want to continue to try to do something like that.
Q: How much are you looking forward to seeing what a Home Run Derby in Citizens Bank Park will look like?
A: I’m so excited to see what it’ll look like. This group of guys are just different. It’s a whole different level of strength, and these guys are bigger, stronger, faster. The ball just travels further, so I’m excited to see where the ball lands. Charlie [Manuel] always told Jimmy [Thome] and I that he saw Julio Franco hit a ball in batting practice that hit the bell. Now we’ve said that’s a little suspect, Charlie. There’s got to be like a 35 mph tail wind. He’s got to catch it and do the whole nine, but like it’ll be very interesting. I think somebody could potentially get close to trying to hit that bell, so I would love to see somebody hit a ball that goes up and hits that bell on the fly.
A: Kyle Schwarber is one of the preeminent sluggers of this generation, him and Aaron Judge, and certainly Shohei Ohtani. Is this the year that maybe Schwarber matches or tops your Phillies record 58 home runs in a season?
A: He’s must watch TV. You don’t want to miss his at-bat because of what he’s able to do with the swing of the bat — the ball comes off his bat different. It’s just so violent, and the swing is so … quick and it’s so violent off the bat that it’s so fun to watch. The ball he hit a few years ago in San Diego, people don’t do that. People don’t hit the ball like that, but Schwarber does. As far as the 58, it’s just a matter of him staying healthy and just continuing to stay consistent and do what he does. He got close last year [with 56]. Right now he’s at [32]. You just want him to stay healthy and be good for the stretch run, and he’s going to get those hot streaks where he’s dropping off like five, six, seven homers in a week, and again it’s like video game type stuff.
But it’s fun to watch. I like to call it kind of like some blackout moments where you’re like, I don’t even know what’s going on, but I’m not going to fight it. And he gets in those zones where it’s just like it feels like every time the bat comes off your shoulder, damage will be done, and usually it winds up on the other side of the fence.
The Schmitter returns to Citizens Bank Park tonight
The Schmitter sandwich displayed at the All Star Games Media Preview to showcase All-Star Week Events, New Food, and Commemorative Bell at the Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia, Pa., on Wednesday, July 8, 2026.Tyger Williams / Staff Photographer
One of Philadelphia’s signature sandwiches is heading back to Citizens Bank Park after a decade away.
The Schmitter, the classic cheesesteak-salami creation from McNally’s Tavern in Chestnut Hill, will return during the forthcoming Major League Baseball All-Star festivities, Aramark announced as it unveiled a lineup of foods and merchandise at the ballpark Wednesday.
The Schmitter, which has a spot on The Inquirer’s list of 76 essential foods, will be served at Pass & Stow, the sports bar accessible to ticketed fans, throughout All-Star Week. Aramark, the Phillies’ concessionaire, plans to keep it on the ballpark menu through at least the end of the season.
It joins a lineup of fan-voted creations and Philadelphia chef collaborations at Citizens Bank Park, which hosts four days of events starting with the HBCU Swingman Classic on Friday.
Kyle Schwarber, Bryce Harper will be first Phillies teammates to compete in Home Run Derby
Bryce Harper and Kyle Schwarber will compete in Monday’s Home Run Derby.Yong Kim / Staff Photographer
The Phillies haven’t had a Home Run Derby champion since 2006, when Ryan Howard blasted 23 total to take the crown.
This year, at Monday’s competition at Citizens Bank Park, they will have double the chance. Because for the first time in the 41-year history of the Derby, the Phillies have a pair of teammates competing against each other. Kyle Schwarber announced Friday that he would officially be joining Bryce Harper in the event.
“I just wanted to make sure pretty much getting through that series in Cincinnati, make sure everything was good healthwise, and everything’s been trending the right way. So that’s when we pretty much made a decision to do it,” Schwarber said.
Schwarber and Harper have competed in the same Derby before in 2018, although they were representing different teams. With Harper in his final year with the Nationals and Schwarber playing with the Cubs, the future teammates found themselves in the final round together in Washington D.C. Harper bashed 19 homers to narrowly best Schwarber’s 18.
Schwarber hopes that this year ends with another rematch.
“I think it would be awesome, especially in Philadelphia, where our fans obviously are going to get the opportunity to really show out what they’re capable of and what we’ve seen for years and years of just pure electricity,” he said. “So I think it would be a pretty cool ending there if that could happen. But we’ll see what happens.”
One-time Phillies outfield Hunter Pence will be part of Netflix’s broadcast of the Derby
For the first time in more than 30 years, the Home Run Derby has a new broadcast home, and it won’t appear on either broadcast or cable TV.
Instead, it will stream exclusively on Netflix beginning at 8 p.m. Philly time as part of a three-year deal that also included MLB’s opening night back in March and next month’s Field of Dreams game in Dyersville, Iowa between the Phillies and Minnesota Twins.
Calling all the action will be Matt Vasgersian, with Elle Duncan and Lauren Shehadi also leading the coverage. Barry Bonds, Albert Pujols, Anthony Rizzo, CC Sabathia, and former Phillies outfielder Hunter Pence will also provide analysis.
“The Home Run Derby’s always been one of my favorite things as a kid,” Pence said. “I’m going to be in the stands a little bit. I’m going to be in the booth as well… Netflix definitely has some excitement up their sleeve.”
Netflix hasn’t offered many details about its plans for the Derby, but if its opening night telecast is anything to go by, expect a lot of stars. Among them will be former Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Michael Irvin, who hosts The White House video podcast for Netflix.
Breakout White Sox rookie Munetaka Murakami was the final player to join the Home Run Derby.Nam Y. Huh
Kyle Schwarber, Phillies
Bryce Harper, Phillies
Jordan Walker, Cardinals
Wilson Contreras, Red Sox
Munetaka Murakami, White Sox
Jac Caglianone, Royals
Ben Rice, Yankees
Junior Caminero, Rays
Not participating for the second straight season is Baltimore Orioles first baseman Pete Alonso, one of only four players to win multiple Derby championships. Despite a strong first-half, Alonso wasn’t selected to this year’s All-Star Game.
Also not competing is last year’s winner, Seattle Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh, who has struggled this year after being last year’s American League MVP runner-up.
Seattle Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh wears a large necklace after winning the Derby last year.Lindsey Wasson
This year’s Derby has a different format that previous years.
For starters, there won’t be a timer. Instead, each slugger will get a set number of swings each round — 20 in the first round and 15 in both the second and final rounds.
The last Derby without a clock was 2014.
There’s also a “keep going” rule. If the batter hits a homer on his final attempt, he’ll keeping swinging until he fails to blast out a home run.
“I love it,” said former Phillies outfielder Hunter Pence, who is calling the event on Netflix. “It’s really awesome for TV and healthier for the players. They’re not just having this endurance contest. We get to really feel each swing and each player.”
There also won’t be a bracket for the first round. Instead, the four sluggers will the most homers during the first round will move on to the second. There the competition shifts to head-to-head until a champion is crowned.
Philly road closures due to tonight’s Home Run Derby
Banners for The All Star Game hang at the Citizens Bank Park.Tyger Williams / Staff Photographer
On Monday, Independence Mall will see road closures starting at 5 a.m. to accommodate building out the MLB Red Carpet Show. Set to be in place through midnight, those closures will impact:
Fifth Street between Market and Chestnut Streets
Ludlow Street between Fourth and Fifth Streets
Randstead Street between Fourth and Fifth Streets
Independence Mall will remain tied up Tuesday for the MLB Red Carpet show itself, with closures again in place from 5 a.m. to midnight. Those closures will affect:
Fifth and Sixth Streets from Arch to Walnut Streets
Market and Chestnut Streets from Fourth to Seventh Streets
Ranstead and Sansom Streets from Sixth to Seventh Streets
Philadelphia police, the city said, may institute additional closures in the interest of public safety.
All roads affected by closures will also be temporary no-parking zones, the city said. If vehicles are parked in those locations during the times they are closed, the vehicles will be moved.
Drivers who may have had their cars moved should contact the police district of the area where their vehicle was parked, the city said.
To accommodate fans heading to Citizens Bank Park, SEPTA will run six additional express trains on the Broad Street Line, also known as the B Line, to NRG Station before and after the Home Run Derby and All-Star Game Monday and Tuesday.
Free rides on the line from NRG Station will also be available at select times during those events. Free rides begin after the second round of the Home Run Derby on Monday, and after the sixth inning of the All-Star Game Tuesday, the city said.
Asylon Robotics, a 100-employee robot software and hardware maker based in Norristown, says it has been picked to test its network of doglike robots, flying robots, and software links at the Air Force’s Warner Robins Air Logistics Complex in Georgia.
The Air Force has already reviewed individual Asylon products. The new Phase Three contract will test four Asylon products networked into a single system dubbed Multimodal Autonomous Robotics for Inspection of Aircraft (MARIA).
The goal is to improve the speed and reliability of plane checks by Air Force maintenance crews, the company said in a statement. The value of the contract was not immediately available. It’s worth “multimillions,” an Asylon spokesperson said.
“This award reflects the Air Force’s confidence” in Asylon’s systems, said Anthony McCarty, a retired Air Force colonel who heads Asylon’s government sales arm.
Asylon noted that its systems have already completed 350,000 autonomous missions. Civilian clients include Citizens Bank.
McCarty said the new award puts better systems directly in the hands of Air Force personnel.
MARIA includes:
Guardian sUAS (small, unmanned aircraft systems), flying drones that can check aircraft from above and around;
DroneDog Q-UGV (four-legged, unmanned ground vehicles), which adds Asylon’s PupPack security system — magnifying cameras, heat sensors, connectivity, and video analysis processors — to off-the-shelf Boston Dynamics Spot-brand robots;
Asylon’s Range autonomy system, the hardware and software that makes the robots go;
DroneIQ command and dashboard system, which gives Air Force maintenance humans two- and three-dimensional images of what the vehicle sensors project so they can be analyzed and acted upon.
Asylon promises faster, more consistent review than human-only teams. Its systems collate images via Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) and other mapping tools for review, analysis, and action by human maintenance crews.
The company is based on Buttonwood Street near the Schuylkill in a century-old brick factory building at a complex where ring-binders were formerly made for Philadelphia’s once-vast mass-publishing industry.
Asylon in a statement said successful tests will speed autonomous aircraft inspection and boost demand for its products.
The company was founded in 2015 by three MIT grads: CEO Damon Henry, who earlier worked at GE and Boeing; Adam Mohamed, a helicopter engineer, now chief technology officer; and Brent McLaughlin, a former Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Lab engineer, now chief operating officer.
Asylon has raised more than $45 million from investors including Allegion, which owns Schlage locks and other physical security products; Insight Partners, a New York venture capital firm backed by Pennsylvania teachers’ PSERS retirement plan and other big investors; the Texas-based Hersh family-led Veteran Ventures Capital; and the taxpayer-backed GO PA Fund.
