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  • Horoscopes: Sunday, July 12, 2026

    ARIES (March 21-April 19). Emotional complexity will be represented in contradictory actions — in people performing competence when they feel lost, laughing when they want to cry and crying when filled with joy. Empathy has you responding to the feeling behind the front.

    TAURUS (April 20-May 20). Lately, it may feel as though you keep reaching for something necessary only to grasp at empty space where it should be. The efforts are not in vain. They teach you where it’s not. Keep hoping and reaching in new directions.

    GEMINI (May 21-June 21). Your life has been characterized by self-reliance from an unusually early age. A child who learns to navigate difficult situations independently often develops remarkable competence, creativity and endurance. Claim this as a point of pride today.

    CANCER (June 22-July 22). The way you give your love is unique to who you are, and a bit mysterious, defying explanation, definition or a means of measurement. A curious chemistry is at work. A meaningful relationship is developing a personality of its own.

    LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). If you have to convince someone of the value, they are not the right customer. Value isn’t established through argument. The people who recognize value don’t have to be sold. They only have to be walked through the details of the deal.

    VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). Lately, the conversation is about building rather than repairing. You’re thinking about future possibilities and larger ambitions. The energy of your thinking is increasingly directed toward what you want to make next, and your prospects are excellent.

    LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). If the station keeps changing frequencies to match whatever receiver is nearby, nobody can find it. If it broadcasts on one channel, the people who enjoy that station can tune in. Your social circle expands not from universal appeal but because you’re more consistently yourself.

    SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). Maybe all it will take to make a problem disappear is a shift in behavior. The right attitude adjustment can make the trouble seem irrelevant. And sometimes, removing what’s irritating the system is enough for the system to heal itself.

    SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). You’ll be reminded that people don’t respond to reality itself. They respond to their understanding of it. Today’s revelation isn’t, “I was right.” It’s, “I didn’t realize someone could see the same situation that differently.”

    CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). Even though, technically speaking, annoyance is born in the annoyed, not the annoyer, the effect is still the same. They act — you’re annoyed. You’ll come up with a plan to avoid the same dynamic in the future.

    AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). The work you’re doing can feel relentless without a break. Don’t wait for one. Instead, give it to yourself. There are several ways to go about this. Here are three: Delay a decision. Ask for help. Declare something “good enough.”

    PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). When your dreams and imaginings feel wily, remember that “dream-you” and “reality-you” are not the same person. “Dream-you” may be trapped inside a specific emotional reality. But in reality, you observe, feel compassion and draw conclusions from the imagined experience.

    TODAY’S BIRTHDAY (July 12). Welcome to your Restructuring Year in which responsibilities will fall differently, liberating you. You’ll learn that you’re not the only one who can do a certain role correctly. In fact, when you share the load, your talents shine in a new direction. More highlights: Emotionally mature love that paradoxically makes you feel younger and more vital. Two substantial bonuses. Seven unforgettable social events. Aries and Virgo adore you. Your lucky numbers are: 13, 4, 39, 33 and 17.

  • High winds tear off roofs, partially collapse buildings across Philadelphia

    High winds tear off roofs, partially collapse buildings across Philadelphia

    Saturday’s afternoon storm damaged multiple buildings across Philadelphia, uprooted trees, and caused some streets to flood.

    As city officials gathered at news conference Saturday evening, Police Commissioner Kevin Bethel said that the city’s 911 dispatchers fielded 3,000 calls during a one-hour period during the height of the storm.

    Wind gusts, according to Mayor Cherelle L. Parker, topped out at 60 mph.

    Parker pledged that her office, as well as a number of other city agencies, will be working through the weekend to assess the damage and begin repairs.

    “All of our departments are here today to function as one Philadelphia,” she said. “Because in the midst of crisis, that is what we are supposed to do and that is to have full interdepartmental cooperation today, tonight, and until we make it through this crisis.”

    A woman named Sheila tries to find sneakers for her five children, as everything in her home was soaked. Her PHA building Aspen Way, at 55th and Vine Street, had its roof blown off by strong storms that passed through the area on Saturday afternoon.Elizabeth Robertson / Staff Photographer

    Parker, Bethel, and other city officials spoke near a Philadelphia Housing Authority property on Vine Street near 55th in West Philadelphia that had part of its roof blown off during the storm. Eleven units in the building were affected, officials said, and residents were relocated to nearby hotels.

    Those displaced residents will be moved into new PHA units on Monday, according to PHA president Kelvin A. Jeremiah, while repairs are completed.

    Elsewhere in the city, at least two buildings partially collapsed due to the storm: a vacant property at 24th Street near Washington Avenue, and another building in West Philadelphia on Lansdowne Avenue near 56th Street.

    Carroll Park, in West Philadelphia, had several trees toppled, as did Wharton Square Park in Point Breeze.

    Officials survey the damage to a PHA building, at 55th and Vine Street, that had its roof blown off by strong storms that passed through the area on Saturday afternoon.Elizabeth Robertson / Staff Photographer

    Peco reported that more than 34,000 residents across the region were still without power as of Saturday evening.

    City officials are urging residents to properly document any and all damage their property sustained during the storm — the city is in the process of obtaining state and federal funding to help offset the costs of repairs.

    Officials also warned residents to avoid downed trees and live wires, and could not confirm whether a tornado had caused any of the damage. The officials said they would work with weather experts to determine what sparked the severe storms.

  • Derek Hill sparks Phillies to win over Tigers; Cristopher Sánchez makes final case to start All-Star Game

    Derek Hill sparks Phillies to win over Tigers; Cristopher Sánchez makes final case to start All-Star Game

    DETROIT — As he crossed the infield to return to the Tigers dugout, Zach McKinstry took off his helmet and tipped it toward Derek Hill.

    There wasn’t much else McKinstry could do. Not after watching Hill cover tons of ground in center field at a dead sprint. Without slowing down, without taking his eye off the ball, Hill left his feet and snagged the ball midair. The spectacular play robbed McKinstry of extra bases and the Tigers of a run.

    Hill contributed on both sides of the ball in the Phillies’ 4-2 win over Detroit on Saturday night. Cristopher Sánchez gave up 10 hits but held the Tigers to two runs in his final audition for the starting job at Tuesday’s All-Star Game.

    Zack Wheeler turned down MLB’s offer to be added to the All-Star Game: ‘I’m not going to be disrespected’

    The decision will come down to Dodgers manager Dave Roberts, who is managing the National League squad. But Don Mattingly, who accepted an invitation to serve on Roberts’ staff, believes his lefty has earned it.

    “Not my call, but I mean, obviously, Sánchy in Philly would be a great story,” Mattingly said. “And I don’t know everybody’s numbers and everything else and what they look into that, but I would think he would have a good shot at starting, especially being in Philly.”

    Hill started in place of Justin Crawford, who was out with a sore left knee, and manufactured the Phillies’ first run. In the third inning, he reached on a throwing error from Delco native Kevin McGonigle, stole second base, and then stole third. It put him in position to score when Trea Turner hit a sacrifice fly to center field.

    Derek Hill made a leaping catch to take away a hit in the third inning.Lon Horwedel

    Hill is very quick on his feet — he has a 98th percentile sprint speed — but it still marked the first time in his career that the outfielder had multiple stolen bases in a game, let alone an inning. He swiped another base in the fourth inning for good measure.

    “Doesn’t mean much,” Hill said. “I just want to go out there and help my team win. I mean, whatever it takes, whether it’s three bags or a catch or getting a guy over with a bunt, it doesn’t matter to me. Just whatever it takes.”

    The defensive play against McKinstry came in the bottom of the third, with a runner on first. Off the bat, Hill knew he had a chance. It helped that he has a lot of familiarity with Comerica Park and how the ball flies there. The Tigers drafted Hill in the first round in 2014, and he spent the first part of his career with the organization until he was designated for assignment in 2022.

    “I knew it was going to hang up just a little, a little bit longer than other spots,” Hill said.

    Phillies shrug off Tyler Spangler‘s injury concerns to select the shortstop in MLB draft’s first round

    Brandon Marsh, playing in left field, assisted him by communicating how much distance he had until the wall.

    “He’s a tremendous guy and a tremendous player,” Sánchez said of Hill, through team interpreter Diego D’Aniello. “Both with his offense and his defense, and even with his speed.”

    The outfielder also delivered an RBI single in the fourth, contributing to a three-run rally against Tigers starter Casey Mize.

    Catcher J.T. Realmuto’s batting average had dipped below .200 entering Saturday’s game after some extended struggles at the plate. But he showed some promising results with a big two-run double to the left field corner.

    Bryce Harper snapped an 0-for-22 skid with a double in the first inning. He added a single in the fifth, but was thrown out trying to steal second.

    Cristopher Sánchez pitched into the eighth inning and allowed 10 hits and two earned runs.Lon Horwedel

    Four runs were a big enough cushion for Sánchez to earn his 11th win, even though he gave up a lot of contact. Of the Tigers’ 10 hits off the lefty, only one was for extra bases when Eduardo Valencia hit a solo homer in the fifth. Sánchez’s defense helped him out, too. In addition to Hill’s catch, the infield turned three double plays — one each in the sixth, seventh, and eighth innings.

    He struck out seven batters, six on his changeup.

    “Bend, but don’t break today,” Mattingly said. “The pitch to Valencia, kind of left one up just a little bit. I think he’s probably just trying to sink him out there. Left it up a little bit, but still the guy hits the ball to right center. Pretty good swing.”

    A day after his move to pull Aaron Nola after five innings and 84 pitches backfired, Mattingly let Sánchez begin the eighth with his pitch count at 97. Considering the struggles the Phillies bullpen has been experiencing lately — especially the left-handers — Mattingly hoped to get Sánchez through McGonigle, a lefty due up second in the inning.

    Things did not go according to plan. Sánchez walked Matt Vierling to lead it off and then McGonigle got to him with a single. Sánchez wasn’t able to record an out, and Mattingly handed the ball to Jonathan Bowlan.

    The right-hander hit the next batter to load the bases. Bowlan then forced Spencer Torkelson to ground into a double play that conceded a run, but helped him limit the damage. He walked the next batter before inducing another groundout to end the inning.

    “Bowlan came in and kind of got it done for us,” Mattingly said. “Obviously sixth, seventh, and eighth [inning] double play balls are huge. With traffic, we’re able to get two outs out of those, keep those innings down.”

    Bowlan passed the baton to closer Jhoan Duran, who pitched a 1-2-3 ninth for his 24th save.

    Jimmy Rollins’ All-Star Weekend festivities include granting Make-A-Wish dreams and Xfinity fan giveaways

    The next time Sánchez takes the ball, it will be at the All-Star Game on Tuesday. He doesn’t know yet if he will be given the opportunity to start it in front of the hometown crowd, but with a 2.62 ERA and 10.18 strikeouts per nine innings this year, Sánchez has made his case.

    “It would be awesome to start the All-Star Game at home,” he said. “With the fans, it just would be an awesome thing. It’s another accomplishment and another goal, for sure.”

  • South Street’s Tattooed Mom says city has put a halt to live events at the iconic bar

    South Street’s Tattooed Mom says city has put a halt to live events at the iconic bar

    Tattooed Mom, one of the city’s most iconic bars, said it has been ordered to cease all live music and performances by the Philadelphia Department of Licenses and Inspections.

    A message posted Saturday morning on the South Street bar’s Instagram page said the order came on March 27 with “no notice.” Along with live music, Tattooed Mom said, it must also stop hosting “drag, burlesque, and karaoke events.”

    Now, more than three months later, the order still stands.

    “We’re working with legal, government, and small business support groups to figure out the daunting, complicated, and expensive next steps for zoning, permits, and licenses. We believe the interpretation of some of these rules is unjust to queer communities and creative spaces. There’s no clear timeline yet, but we’ll do our best to keep you in the loop,” someone from the bar wrote on Instagram.

    Neither Tattooed Mom nor L&I could be immediately reached for comment Saturday. The Instagram post had thousands of likes and numerous comments from supporters, including State Rep. Malcolm Kenyatta (D., Philadelphia).

    “What?! Happy to help however I can!” Kenyatta wrote. “I sent a message.”

    Others pointed out that Tattooed Mom is a haven for the LGBTQ+ community.

    “Wouldn’t be Philly without you,” one fan wrote.

    The bar vowed to fight on.

    “No red tape can stop Tattooed Mom from being a queer creative space. We will continue to speak out and support the LGBTQIA+ community while navigating outdated policy. We miss the vibrant energy that drag and burlesque bring to Mom’s and hope to welcome these events back again soon,” someone wrote. “In the meantime, we are continuing to create new models to host more queer community events, including workshops, art shows, meetups, and more.”

  • Philly Health Department warns of possible measles exposure at airport

    Philly Health Department warns of possible measles exposure at airport

    The Philadelphia Department of Public Health is notifying travelers of a possible measles exposure that occurred recently at Philadelphia International Airport.

    The Health Department noted that the exposure would have taken place on Saturday, July 4, between 7:30-11:15 a.m. at Terminals A, B, and C. The person with measles was traveling through Philadelphia and health officials are encouraging people who might have been exposed to check their vaccination status and watch for symptoms.

    “We believe there is no threat to the general public associated with this case of measles,” city Health Commissioner Palak Raval-Nelson said in a statement. “We encourage people who were possibly exposed to take action if they are not protected against measles. Measles activity remains elevated both internationally and in areas of the United States, including the ongoing outbreak in Pennsylvania west of the city, concentrated in Lancaster and Lebanon counties, with spread to Chester County.”

    Raval-Nelson encouraged parents to follow the CDC’s immunization schedule and have children fully vaccinated “as soon as they are able.”

    Measles is a highly contagious virus that spreads through the air through coughing, sneezing, or talking. People who aren’t protected against measles can contract the virus up to two hours after someone else with measles left the same room or airspace. The early symptoms of measles are fever, runny nose, cough, and red, watery eyes, followed by rash. In some people, it can be a serious infection that leads to pneumonia, brain infection, and death.

  • Yardley’s Aiden Robbins and Moorestown’s Ryan Lynch selected in third round of MLB draft

    Yardley’s Aiden Robbins and Moorestown’s Ryan Lynch selected in third round of MLB draft

    The All-Star festivities continued this weekend as the MLB draft was held at the Pennsylvania Convention Center, marking the first time that Philadelphia has hosted the event.

    However, for the second consecutive year, there wasn’t a single draftee in attendance. Spectators certainly showed out. Fans repping jerseys from across the league filled the space to celebrate future MLB talent.

    MLB Network’s Siera Santos and Robert Flores, along with Eliza Andrus served as the draft hosts, and fans were treated to a parade of mascots, karaoke, and Home Run Derby prize tickets while teams were on the clock. The West Powelton Steppers, also known as the Phillies Bassline, also contributed to energizing the crowd.

    Phillies select shortstop Tyler Spangler, Missouri State outfielder Caden Bogenpohl in the MLB draft

    League commissioner Rob Manfred was met with a chorus of boos as he offered his opening remarks, where he highlighted the city and America’s 250th.

    “There’s no place more fitting to celebrate the games future than a city that has helped define its past,” Manfred said.

    Fans cheer during the 2026 MLB draft at the Pennsylvania Convention Center on Saturday.Yong Kim / Staff Photographer

    “From Hall of Fame legends Dick Allen, Richie Ashburn, Steve Carlton, and Mike Schmidt, to World Series champions Cole Hamels, Ryan Howard, Jimmy Rollins, and Chase Utley, generations of Phillies greats have inspired the passionate fans in this city. [On Saturday], that historic spotlight turns to a new wave of players who may one day evoke the same type of admiration for these young men and their families. Today marks a life-changing milestone on their journey.”

    Rollins was in attendance and made an appearance on stage with Greg Luzinski. Hamels was also present as one of the analysts for the draft coverage, alongside Mark DeRosa, Harold Reynolds, and Dan O’Dowd. MLB Network’s Greg Amsinger was the broadcast’s host.

    Saturday consisted of the first four rounds and Sunday will conclude the remaining 16. Here’s a look at the locals who were selected on Day 1.

    Texas outfielder Aiden Robbins during an NCAA baseball game against Coastal Carolina on Friday, Feb. 27, 2026, in Houston. (AP Photo/Michael Wyke).Michael Wyke

    Third round

    The first area player off the board was Holy Ghost Prep graduate Aiden Robbins, a Yardley native, who was selected by the New York Mets with the 92nd overall pick.

    The 6-foot-2 outfielder transferred to Texas this past season after spending his first two years of college at Seton Hall, where he led the Big East with a .422 batting average.

    With the Longhorns, Robbins was among the team leaders in average (.333), OPS (1.122), runs (68), hits (79), total bases (165), and slugging percentage (.696). He also was a key contributor to Texas’ run to the College World Series. The Longhorns were eliminated by Georgia and finished fifth nationally. Robbins capped his junior season with 24 homers and was named SEC Newcomer of the Year.

    Moorestown High product Ryan Lynch was drafted 97th to the San Diego Padres.

    Lynch, a 6-3 right-handed pitcher, spent most of his freshman year with North Carolina in a reliever role, before earning starts in the postseason. Following his freshman season, Lynch earned freshman second team All-American honors by D1Baseball and Baseball America, along with a spot on the 2025 USA Baseball Collegiate National Team.

    As a sophomore, Moorestown native Ryan Lynch started in 18 of his 19 appearances, finishing the season with a 4.21 ERA and 89 strikeouts in 98⅓ innings pitched.Vera Nieuwenhuis

    This year, as a sophomore, he started in 18 of his 19 appearances, finishing the season with a 4.21 ERA and 89 strikeouts in 98⅓ innings pitched. He finished his two years with a 10-5 record, 161 career strikeouts, 61 walks, and a 3.72 ERA.

    During the Tar Heels’ run in the College World Series, Lynch pitched in North Carolina’s first win over West Virginia, throwing 4⅔ innings, giving up two runs. In Game 2 of the final series against Oklahoma, Lynch left the game in the fourth inning with an oblique injury after recording five strikeouts and giving up two earned runs.

  • 🦅 My neighbor, the Eagle | Morning Newsletter

    Happy Saturday, Philly. Showers are possible today.

    A starstruck reader asked us for tips on how to calmly live next door to Super Bowl royalty.

    Plus, we have an update on El Niño, a look at who is behind the Trump-promoted stations selling cheap gas in the region, and our report card for this week in Philly news.

    — Paola Pérez (morningnewsletter@inquirer.com)

    If someone forwarded you this email, sign up for free here.

    What you should know today

    The Bird next door

    This week’s question is: A beloved Eagles player moved to our neighborhood. I have to pass by his house every time I drop off or pick up my son from daycare. And every time I inevitably stare at his house, and then tell myself “be cool, be cool.” I did one time throw a “Go Birds!” at him when he stopped his car to let me cross the sidewalk. How many more “Go Birds” do I get? Should we, as his new neighbors, pretend he’s not a Super Bowl champion?!

    To tackle the situation, Inquirer reporters Earl Hopkins and Stephanie Farr first addressed the most important aspect: “One ‘Go Birds’ is enough,” said Hopkins. “(All right, maybe two.)”

    Overall, they suggested our dazzled reader lead with casual, friendly interactions, and strongly advised against fanatic behavior. For instance, don’t swarm the guy with jerseys at a neighborhood block party that he may or may not attend.

    Relative distance is also key. “It matters how close this person lives to the Eagles player,” Farr said.

    Read their full conversation here. Need advice, or want to share your thoughts? We want to hear it. Email us here.

    One viewpoint

    The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board is examining a video from Phillies star Bryce Harper that FanDuel sent to a VIP with a gambling addiction.

    In this week’s Shackamaxon, Inquirer columnist Daniel Pearson unpacks Pennsylvania’s gambling dependence.

    “The more lawmakers in the Keystone State rely on gambling to pay our bills, the more complicit we are in the industry’s misdeeds,” Pearson writes.

    Read on for Pearson’s take, along with his perspectives on property tax assessments and state budget negotiations.

    📍 Find the location

    To celebrate the Benjamin Franklin Bridge turning 100, this week is all about bridges. We’ll show you a photo taken in the Philly area; you drop a pin where you think it was taken. Closer to the location results in a better score. Good luck!TOM GRALISH / Staff Photographer

    Think you know where you can get this view? Our weekly game puts your knowledge of Philly places and streets to the test. Check your answer.

    🧩 Unscramble the anagram

    Hint: “The Godmother of Soul”

    ALBEIT PALLET

    Email us if you know the answer. We’ll select a reader at random to shout out here.

    Cheers to Stacy Stone, who correctly guessed Friday’s answer: Rothman Orthopaedics. The large physician-owned group plans to open three new surgery centers over the next year and keep adding doctors in its Philadelphia-area market.

    We were there

    Staff photographer Monica Herndon captured Philly artist Paul Carpenter in his element, painting “a love letter to Philadelphia.”

    Carpenter went from painting Phillies murals in his bedroom to designing limited-edition aluminum bottles. Trending sports reporter Ariel Simpson has the story of how Carpenter is scaling up his artwork in South Philly.

    Somewhere on the internet in Philly

    🏈 A young Eagles fan asked Saquon Barkley a funny question during youth camp.

    ⛱️ @bobbyfiler comically plays out motherly shenanigans down the Shore.

    🔬 Fairmount Water Works shows us the microscopic creatures living in one “scoop” of the Schuylkill.

    👋🏽 Thanks for stopping by, and I’ll catch up with you again tomorrow.

    By submitting your written, visual, and/or audio contributions, you agree to The Inquirer’s Terms of Use, including the grant of rights in Section 10.

  • Phillies shrug off Tyler Spangler‘s injury concerns to select the shortstop in MLB draft’s first round

    Phillies shrug off Tyler Spangler‘s injury concerns to select the shortstop in MLB draft’s first round

    In 2023, the Phillies used their first-round pick on an infielder who graded highly among high school hitters but slipped in the draft because of an injury.

    There were echoes of Aidan Miller again this year.

    With the 36th overall selection — a 10-pick penalty for exceeding the second luxury-tax threshold last year — the Phillies took Tyler Spangler, an 18-year-old shortstop from De La Salle High School in Northern California who didn’t play at all this year because of a back injury.

    What makes Bryce Harper and Kyle Schwarber such unique stars? We asked each about the other.

    “We have an extensive medical review on the player and just felt comfortable taking him,” scouting director Brian Barber said Saturday from the Phillies’ draft room in Citizens Bank Park. “We’ve looked at everything that there is to look at there and felt completely comfortable taking the player.”

    Barber declined to discuss the nature of the back injury.

    Spangler, a 6-foot-3 left-handed hitter, was projected in early mock drafts as a first-round pick, in which case he would’ve been off the board long before the Phillies picked. But he injured his back after a mid-January tournament that the Phillies attended, Barber said, and missed his senior season.

    Teams were finally able to see Spangler hit last month at the MLB draft combine in Phoenix. The Phillies watched him again in a workout on June 30. Barber said he has been given “a clear return to action,” and the Phillies are “hoping to see him on the field in [minor-league] games at some point this season.”

    That would suggest the Phillies are confident that they can sign Spangler, who committed to attend Stanford. It may require a bonus larger than the $2.76 million slot value assigned to the 36th pick. But without a pick in the first round, the Phillies are likely to meet Spangler’s price.

    Clubs have until July 27 to sign their 2026 draft picks.

    If Spangler’s injury saga sounds familiar, Miller slid to the Phillies at No. 27 overall three years ago because of a broken hamate bone in his left hand. He recovered from that injury and became the organization’s top prospect, but hasn’t played this season because of a lower back condition that necessitated a spinal procedure in June.

    Zack Wheeler turned down MLB’s offer to be added to the All-Star Game: ‘I’m not going to be disrespected’

    In Spangler’s case, there’s also the matter of De La Salle suspending its varsity baseball team for the first five games this season for what the school described as “violations of school policy, team rules, and code of conduct.”

    Barber said the Phillies interviewed Spangler at the combine and were confident that whatever happened (De La Salle officials didn’t specify the violations) “had nothing to do with Tyler.”

    The Phillies drafted Spangler one pick before catcher Daniel Jackson went to the Rockies. Jackson won the Golden Spikes Award this year as the top collegiate player in the country.

    Spangler is tall for a shortstop, prompting comparisons to lefty-hitting Corey Seager. Barber said the Phillies believe Spangler “probably moves a little bit better than, let’s say, Corey did at 18″ and that he won’t need to switch positions.

    But it’s his bat that most impressed the Phillies.

    Barber said Spangler showed “a little bit of rust and stiffness” at the combine. But when the Phillies saw him hit a week later, he appeared “more loose and free,” as they remembered when they scouted him as a junior.

    “We think it’s just a really advanced 18-year-old swing,” Barber said. “The path is just perfect to be able to add to his power game, as well. It’s a hit-first with a really good feel for the power in the future.

    “The opportunity to be at pick 36 and get this player that we identified going back two years, saw him play all throughout the summer and fall last year, we just think he’s a very good player.”

    Here’s how the Phillies rounded out the first day of the draft:

    Caden Bogenpohl broke Ryan Howard’s Missouri State school record with 20 homers as a freshman in 2024 and finished with 39 homers in three seasons.Colin E Braley

    Round 2

    Caden Bogenpohl, OF, Missouri State

    A few weeks ago, after the college season, the Phillies took the unusual step of inviting the 6-6 left-handed hitter to their facility in Clearwater for a one-on-one workout with farm director Luke Murton.

    “Unfortunately, we did that before the Combine, where he was able to [go to] the Combine and put on an absolute show out there,” Barber said, laughing. “But it did help us answer some of the questions about why the exit velocity was at the elite level, but the home runs didn’t go with it.”

    Indeed, Bogenpohl broke Ryan Howard’s school record with 20 homers as a freshman, then hit only 19 over the last two years. But after their private workout, the Phillies believe they can unlock the power that has gone missing.

    A farm system that lacks home-run hitters can use it.

    Bryce Harper is ‘grateful’ to be MLB commissioner’s All-Star pick. He’s also earned it.

    Round 3

    Ruger Riojas, RHP, Texas

    After pitching as a reliever for two years at Texas-San Antonio, he transferred and became a starter. That’s how the Phillies plan to use him in the minors because of a five-pitch repertoire from multiple arm slots.

    The 23-year-old righty is on the older side, but Barber believes he’s also more advanced than most draftees.

    “It’s now stuff,” Barber said. “It’s now strikes. It’s now pitchability.”

    Round 4

    Deven Sheerin, RHP, LSU

    Most relief pitchers get drafted as starters and move to the bullpen as they go through the minors. But Barber left no doubt about the 20-year-old righty’s future role.

    “We see him as a high-upside leverage reliever,” he said.

    Sheerin throws a slider and upper-90s fastball from a low-slot delivery, a combination that Barber described as “just completely loud stuff.”

    Oh, and he grew up in Reading, home to the Phillies’ longstanding double-A club.

    Kentucky pitcher Jaxon Jelkin had a 4.08 ERA in 17 games last season.Mike Buscher

    Jaxon Jelkin, RHP, Kentucky

    A collegiate nomad, he left Nebraska as a freshman for junior college in Arizona, then transferred to Houston, where he had Tommy John elbow surgery before going to Kentucky. But he’s 6-5 with four pitches from a low three-quarters arm slot. At age 23, he could start at a more advanced level of the system than younger draftees.

    Phillies prospect Gage Wood will start in the MLB Futures Game at Citizens Bank Park

    “It’s older, but we’re just not using a lot of projection there,” Barber said. “What we try to do with these [older college] guys is acclimate them to pro ball, get them on a professional routine, and then just try to optimize their pitch package a little bit more.”

  • Zack Wheeler turned down MLB’s offer to be added to the All-Star Game: ‘I’m not going to be disrespected’

    Zack Wheeler turned down MLB’s offer to be added to the All-Star Game: ‘I’m not going to be disrespected’

    DETROIT — Phillies pitcher Zack Wheeler declined to be added to the National League All-Star team when approached by MLB on Friday, he said.

    “Because they disrespected me, so I’m not going to participate in it,” Wheeler said. “I’m not going to be disrespected.”

    Dodgers left-hander Justin Wrobleski was named a replacement instead on Saturday for Reds pitcher Chase Burns. Wrobleski has a 2.69 ERA and 1.01 WHIP over 100⅓ innings pitched this year.

    Zack Wheeler and Philly fans are bothered by his All-Star snub: ‘People will regret not picking him’

    Despite a 2.28 ERA in his first 14 starts, Wheeler was not named to the initial roster through the player vote. Nor was he included in the first round of player replacements for pitchers who opted out of appearing in the game. Phillies lefty Jesús Luzardo was added to the NL team on Tuesday and is set to make his first career All-Star appearance.

    Wheeler was almost certainly initially excluded because of the Phillies’ rotation schedule, which has him starting Sunday’s series finale in Detroit. Typically, pitchers who start the final game before the All-Star break are unable to appear in the All-Star Game.

    However, following his start Tuesday in Cincinnati, Wheeler said he would be willing to throw an inning anyway. After striking out 14 Reds over seven innings, Wheeler said the snub had been on his mind.

    After his start on Tuesday in Cinncinnati, Zack Wheeler said his seven inning, 14 strikeout start was “kind of a reminder for whoever needs to be reminded.”

    Carolyn Kaster

    “I feel like that’s kind of a reminder,” Wheeler said, “for whoever needs to be reminded.”

    But because the league didn’t approach him until three days later, Wheeler said he felt like their “fifth option,” which he found disrespectful. If the league had invited him earlier in the week, his answer would have been different.

    Making the All-Star team is one of three goals Wheeler sets for himself every year, along with winning a Cy Young Award and a World Series. He has three career All-Star selections, but has only appeared in the game in 2021. He did not pitch in 2024 or 2025.

    Garrett Stubbs got T-shirts made of Zack Wheeler’s quote after his All-Star snub: ‘He should be in there’

    “There’s other years where they ask me to be in it, and I said no, but I was maybe struggling through some stuff or whatever it may be, but this time it’s pure disrespect,” Wheeler said.

    Wheeler believes his numbers speak for themselves, and doesn’t think that his return from thoracic outlet decompression surgery less than a year ago should have factored into the league’s decision. The right-hander had a rib removed last September to treat his venous thoracic outlet syndrome.

    It’s a procedure that has ended other pitchers’ careers, but Wheeler has not missed a step.

    “I don’t need somebody saying, ”Oh, he’s had major surgery. Look at him now.’ No, I don’t need that. That was my plan to come back as who I was, or even better,” Wheeler said.

    Zack Wheeler has a 2.28 ERA in 14 starts since his return from thoracic outlet decompression surgery.Elizabeth Robertson / Staff Photographer

    Although he felt disrespected by the league, his teammates made sure that he knew they valued him. Following Wheeler’s postgame interview Tuesday, catcher Garrett Stubbs had T-shirts made with Wheeler’s quote on them, which he distributed to everyone. The shirts also featured a rooster with Wheeler’s No. 45, a nod to his walk-out song, “Rooster” by Alice in Chains.

    “He deserves being an All-Star. And it’s [B.S.] that he’s not,” Stubbs told The Inquirer on Friday.

    While Wheeler didn’t wear the shirt himself, many of his teammates did, along with Phillies staff and coaches. Even interim manager Don Mattingly wore one during his media availability on Friday.

    “I really just don’t say much. So when I do, I guess they think it’s funny and stuff,” Wheeler said. “So they just made a funny T-shirt and supported me. So I appreciate it.”

    Adding to Wheeler’s overall frustration was the fact that this snub could affect him post-career. Along with other factors, All-Star selections are sometimes taken into account by some Hall of Fame voters evaluating a player post-career.

    “People who vote on stuff after your career might look at that too,” Wheeler said. “And for somebody to kind of take that away from me, it doesn’t sit well with me. So that’s why I’m kind of saying what I’m saying.”

    He added that he doesn’t want to hate on the All-Star Weekend festivities and hopes his six teammates attending the festivities in Philadelphia — Bryce Harper, Kyle Schwarber, Brandon Marsh, Cristopher Sánchez, Jhoan Duran, and Luzardo — enjoy it.

    Phillies select shortstop Tyler Spangler, Missouri State outfielder Caden Bogenpohl in the MLB draft

    “I don’t want to sit here and sound like I’m just hating on the whole thing. It’s fun. It’s a privilege,” Wheeler said. “There’s something to it, especially after your career, you have those accolades next to your name. Two-time All-Star, or seven-time All-Star. Obviously, the seven sounds a lot better.

    “But at the same time, it was kind of just personal. I just don’t want to be disrespected as a person or at my job. I take it very seriously, and it’s just me as a person, too. Like I said before, maybe I didn’t earn it from the get-go, but maybe the second choice. Once I feel like they kind of messed that up, I’m out.”

    Extra bases

    Justin Crawford (left knee soreness) was out of the Phillies starting lineup Saturday for the second consecutive game after slipping on the grass pregame Friday. He woke up Saturday feeling better and without swelling, so Mattingly said there currently isn’t a plan for him to get imaging. He could possibly be a pinch-hit option Saturday. … Andrew Painter struggled Friday for triple-A Lehigh Valley, giving up seven earned runs on eight hits over just 2⅔ innings. He walked four batters. … Wheeler (9-1, 2.28 ERA) is scheduled to start opposite Tigers lefty Tarik Skubal (5-4, 3.06) Sunday in the Phillies’ final game before the All-Star break.

  • Philly firefighters union defends social media post telling baseball fans to ‘avoid the colored areas’ on map

    Philly firefighters union defends social media post telling baseball fans to ‘avoid the colored areas’ on map

    The union representing Philadelphia firefighters and emergency workers is defending a “warning” posted Friday on social media that shares a map of Philadelphia and tells people to “avoid the colored areas on the map of the city.”

    The post, which racked up hundreds of shares and comments on Facebook, X, and Instagram, was heavily criticized for being misleading, inflammatory, and potentially racist.

    Mike Bresnan, president of Local 22 of the International Fire Fighters and Paramedics Union, said the post, which went up four days before Philadelphia hosts the MLB All-Star Game, is simply intended to alert visitors about safety.

    “It’s not so clean, green, and safe as the mayor says,” Bresnan said by text message Saturday afternoon.

    Bresnan said that the map image is taken from a gun violence heat map on the website of City Controller Christy Brady, who was not immediately available for comment Saturday.

    The heat map tracks the 259 nonfatal and 71 fatal victims of gun violence in the city this year through June 28. “To date, there have been 83 homicides in 2026, a 27% decrease from 2025,” the website states.

    Philadelphia is on track to mark fewer than 200 homicides this year for the first time since the 1960s — a significant decline and a reversal of the spike in deaths five years ago.

    Bresnan pushed back against the notion that the use of the phrase colored areas was meant to have a racist undertone, and called those who would say otherwise “radicals.”

    “That was the colored regions on the map,” Bresnan said. “We didn’t want to say orange not to offend the POTUS [President Donald Trump] as he seems already pissed at the city.”

    Pedestrians take photos of the Budweiser Clydesdales in Old City, Philadelphia on Friday, July 10, 2026. The Budweiser Clydesdales have traveled from Washington D.C. to Philadelphia for the MLB All-Star game coming up on July 14th.Aidan T. Gallo / Staff Photographer

    The Trump administration has been in a legal battle with the city over the President’s House Site, which detailed the lives of nine enslaved people who lived with and worked for President George Washington. Most recently, the federal government was cleared to install its own exhibit at the site.

    The union endorsed Trump in 2020, a controversial move that divided members. The union did not endorse a presidential candidate in 2024.

    The city is already flooded with baseball fans visiting the All-Star Village at the Convention Center and getting excited for Tuesday’s game.

    The social media post came two days after the city and the union ratified a new contract with its members. The union was disappointed with the result, which for the first time in two decades leaves firefighters and emergency workers with a lower pay increase than what police got.

    The office of Mayor Cherelle L. Parker declined to comment Saturday. In a statement released Wednesday, Parker said that the contract award recognized the contributions of the city’s firefighters and emergency medical personnel “while supporting the city’s efforts to remain fiscally responsible.”

    Bresnan said the union is pursuing a change to the City Charter that would require the mayor to have the approval of two-thirds of City Council in order to appeal a contract. He said the threat that mayor would appeal too high of a raise had loomed over labor negotiations.

    In response to the online post, even some supporters of the city’s firefighters seemed disappointed.

    “Appreciate all you do for the city but this is an unbelievably bad look,” wrote Lauren Vidas on X.

    Some online commenters said the post was just a bad way to attempt to agitate for union members disappointed in their contract. Others said it misleads people, warning them away from some of the city’s safest, most affluent, and most tourist-friendly areas, which had nonetheless borne witness to an instance of gun violence this year.

    “Contrary to what is posted, you are safe in Philadelphia,” wrote Facebook user Michael Reed. “Have a good time while you’re here. Obviously there are better areas than others and you always should be aware of your surroundings. It’s not as dangerous as this post would imply. Enjoy our great city and get some good food while you’re here.”