The Morning Call: https://tinyurl.com/u77ypa9y

Originally published Aug. 18, 2026

PHILADELPHIA — Donnie Baseball has been around the block a time or two.

He played in New York for the winningest franchise in North American sports. He was a league MVP and a Yankee captain. This is his third managerial gig, and he won an NL Manager of the Year award with the team his Phillies just beat Monday night.

So when a USA Today report surfaced a day earlier stating that unless the Phillies reach or possibly even win the World Series this October, Alex Cora will be the manager next season — well, Mattingly didn’t bat an eye. In fact, he smiled and shook his head.

“It’s win or bust,” he said, chuckling. “You win or you don’t. None of that (report) frustrates me. I’m not worried about any of that kind of stuff. I’m trying to win a game tonight against Miami. I want the best thing for the Phillies. I’m not concerned about any of that.”

Mattingly, of course, took over as the Phillies’ interim manager after longtime friend Rob Thomson was let go on April 28. But he wasn’t the first choice of Dave Dombrowski, president of baseball operations; Cora was, as a full hire to be skipper here long-term.

Dombrowski and Cora have been close since their time together in Boston, which included a World Series title in 2018. But Cora turned down Dombrowski’s April offer with the Phillies, saying the timing wasn’t right for him and his family after he had just been fired by the Red Sox.

But according to the report by USA Today’s Bob Nightengale, the prospect of Cora joining the Phillies this offseason is another ballgame. Rumors have been swirling for months that he’s still Dombrowski’s target.

Meanwhile, Phillies owner John Middleton has been mulling an extension for Dombrowski, whose contract expires after the 2027 season.

Mattingly and Tommy John are two players who should probably be in the baseball Hall of Fame. They also happened to play together in the 1980s, when John was approaching the end of his career and Mattingly was rising in his.

John, who played for six teams from 1963 to 1989, is certainly best known for the reconstructive elbow surgery that bears his name and has saved countless ballplayers’ careers, particularly pitchers’. “Tommy John surgery” is as synonymous with baseball as pine tar, a curveball or the smell of freshly cut grass.

It was revolutionary in 1974, when John underwent the UCL procedure invented and performed by Dr. Frank Jobe in Los Angeles. But he also amassed a career record of 288-231 with a 3.34 ERA and 2,245 strikeouts over 26 years. (164 of his wins came after the surgery.)

John died of bladder cancer and other health complications Saturday at age 83, just a week after he issued a goodbye statement from hospice for missing the Yankees’ annual Old-Timers’ Day. He and Mattingly were 18 years apart in age, but both were Indiana kids — John from Terre Haute, Mattingly from Evansville.

“Tommy obviously was really a great person as far as the way he treated people,” Mattingly said. “Playing with him was interesting because it was obviously toward the end of his career, but just the competitiveness of him and the way he went about it.

“Tommy is one of those guys from Indiana. We always talked about Indiana. It’s close, actually — Terre Haute’s like 100 miles away (from Evansville). A lot of time in my youth is going there to play basketball tournaments, baseball tournaments, things like that.”

Mattingly went on to describe an event in spring training one year.

“I forgot, but I think it was Joe Hesketh pitching against (us),” he said. “Tommy was pitching, so he had to hit, and (Hesketh) was just shoving it on us the whole time. And Tommy gets up and hits a two-iron off the wall in left-center. And I’m like, ‘Geez!’ He made it look easy.”

John posted three 20-win seasons, was the 1977 NL Cy Young runner-up, pitched in three World Series, and was 6-3 with a 2.65 ERA in 14 postseason appearances. He played until he was 46, and his 288 victories are the most of any pitcher not in the Hall of Fame.

In leading the majors with 16 wins after beating the Marlins on Monday, Cristopher Sánchez also became the first Phillies left-hander with 16 victories since Cole Hamels in 2012. He said he’d love to reach the 20-win plateau, but it’s not how he approaches his starts.

“It would be an honor to be in a position to get to 20 wins, but my first thought and my first goal is just to throw as many quality innings as I can for the team, and to always leave the team in a good position to win games when I’m out there on the mound,” Sánchez said through interpreter Diego D’Aniello. “Then, after that, if that mark happens, I’ll take it of course. It would be an honor.”

Sánchez improved to 11-1 with a 1.42 ERA at Citizens Bank Park this year, tying him with Cliff Lee (2011) for second-most wins at CBP in a season. First is Roy Halladay with 12 in 2010.

NOTES: Mattingly said reliever Caleb Kilian (oblique strain) is “starting to feel better” but isn’t throwing yet. … Bryce Harper extended his streak of reaching base to 21 games. … Alec Bohm, for his at-bat in the third inning, used Chase Utley’s walk-up song, Led Zeppelin’s “Kashmir.” He grounded into a fielder’s choice, though later in the game he scored a run and drove in a run. Utley was enshrined on the Phillies Wall of Fame on Aug. 7.

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Delaware County Daily Times: https://tinyurl.com/4y342z7b

Originally published Aug. 8, 2026

PHILADELPHIA — Lane Johnson has spent 13 years keeping pass rushers away from Eagles quarterbacks. Now the calendar is coming for him, and even Johnson knows that Father Time is one opponent nobody blocks forever.

The 36-year-old right tackle said Saturday that this season will “probably” be his last.

“As you get older, things change in your life,” he said. “Your children get older. Your parents get older. Just to put this thing into perspective, it’s looking like this is probably, potentially, going to be my last year. Just because I am getting to that point of those priorities away from football are starting to merge. Not that I don’t enjoy this.

“I love everything about this game and preparing for it, but that’s kind of where I’m at in my career.

“I’m just looking forward to this year, playing the best I can, staying healthy, and that’s about it.”

Johnson returned to practice Friday after missing four sessions for personal reasons. He said Saturday the absence involved family matters, including helping care for his parents.

The No. 4 overall pick of the 2013 draft has played his entire career in Philadelphia. He has won two Super Bowls, made six Pro Bowls and earned five All-Pro selections, including two first-team honors. He enters his 14th season with 168 games played (ninth in franchise history).

Johnson is under contract through 2027, but he sounded like a man looking at 2026 through a different lens.

“I’ve had those conversations with family members, and you can’t play forever. Not everybody can do what LeBron James is doing,” Johnson said, referencing the Sixers’ recent acquisition. “As my kids get older, my parents are getting older, you start seeing the circle of life, if you will.”

Last season ended early for Johnson. A Lisfranc injury limited him to 10 games and forced him to miss the stretch run and the Eagles’ wild-card game against San Francisco, which they lost. He said he didn’t want to go out that way.

But his body has taken the hint. So, apparently, has Johnson.

The tush push lives

New offensive coordinator Sean Mannion is changing plenty about the Eagles’ offense, but not everything.

Asked Saturday about his stance on the tush push — which the Eagles simply call a QB sneak — Mannion left little mystery.

“It’s going to be a part of what we do,” Mannion said. “It’s been an extremely effective play here, and we’re going to lean into that. It’s something that this organization has executed at a high level. So along with many other elements to our offense, certainly it’s something that will be a part of it.”

The play has become less automatic. From 2022 through 2024, the Eagles converted roughly 85% of their quarterback sneaks for first downs or touchdowns. Their tush-push success rate fell to about 61% in 2025 by one accounting, while Pro Football Focus charted a 65.5% first-down rate.

DeFranco’s latest roster projections

Through just two weeks of training camp, many roster spots are already becoming clear. Obviously, lots could change before the Eagles’ Sept. 13 season opener, but here’s my view so far (in projected depth-chart order):

QB: Jalen Hurts, Andy Dalton, Tanner McKee.

RB: Saquon Barkley, Tank Bigsby, Dameon Pierce.

OL: LT Jordan Mailata, LG Landon Dickerson, C Cam Jurgens, RG Tyler Steen, RT Lane Johnson. Others: Markel Bell, Fred Johnson, Drew Kendall.

TE: Dallas Goedert, Johnny Mundt, Eli Stowers. Other: Grant Calcaterra.

WR: DeVonta Smith, Dontayvion Wicks, Darius Cooper, Makai Lemon, Hollywood Brown.

DT: Jalen Carter, Jordan Davis, Moro Ojomo, Byron Young.

EDGE: Jonathan Greenard, Jalyx Hunt, Nolan Smith, Arnold Ebiketie. Other: A.J. Epenesa.

ILB: Zack Baun, Jihaad Campbell, Jeremiah Trotter Jr., Chance Campbell.

CB: Quinyon Mitchell, Riq Woolen, Cooper DeJean.

S: Andrew Mukuba, Marcus Epps, DeJean.

K/P: Jake Elliott, Braden Mann.

A secondary look

If the season began today, Mukuba would start at free safety with Epps solidified at strong safety.

All-Pro nickel DeJean is likely to contribute at strong safety in base packages, replacing Epps. Carter II is making his all-around value known at safety, slot and dime corner. The Eagles need him.

Still hoping to land a role in the secondary are J.T. Gray, Andre’ Sam and Cole Wisniewski.

Woolen is clearly the Eagles’ second outside cornerback, opposite Mitchell. Carter II could occasionally rotate in for him or Mitchell. Depth corners right now are Jonathan Jones and Kelee Ringo.

Injury report

OUT: WR DeVonta Smith (hamstring), WR Makai Lemon (hamstring), WR Britain Covey (hamstring), Keyshawn James-Newby (ankle), S Wisniewski (hamstring) and Danny Grey (concussion). LIMITED: ILB Chance Campbell (groin).

Center Cam Jurgens was back on the field after leaving practice a day earlier.

Camp notes

● Practice was moved up 30 minutes to try mitigating the heat.

● Andy Dalton got second-team QB reps ahead of Tanner McKee.

● Mannion said Lemon has stayed engaged in meetings and walkthroughs despite being sidelined.

● Phillies ace Zach Wheeler and his family visited camp Saturday.

—

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Delaware County Daily Times: https://tinyurl.com/napmnex2

Originally published Aug. 7, 2026

PHILADELPHIA — The heat index was already 97 degrees by 10 a.m. Friday as the Eagles began practice at Jefferson Health Training Complex. The oppressive conditions were expected to persist through the next four days.

A refreshing sight: Lane Johnson returned to camp after missing the previous four sessions for personal, non-injury reasons.

The 36-year-old right tackle is a two-time Super Bowl champion, five-time All-Pro, six-time Pro Bowl selection and longtime team leader — a Philly icon and future Pro Football Hall of Famer.

Head coach Nick Sirianni said he’s confident Johnson can catch up after his time away, even though the Eagles are installing an entirely new offense with a new O-line blocking scheme.

“Lane can pick things up very fast,” Sirianni said at his morning press conference. “He’s a phenomenal football player. Not concerned there. You get to see a little portion each day, but there’s 12 more hours of the day with walkthroughs and meetings, so there’s so much more going on than what you see out here.”

Johnson’s absences were excused. Sirianni glossed over a question about whether he could miss more days. This isn’t the first time Johnson has been away from the team for non-injury reasons. In years past, he has dealt with mental health issues. There has been no indication that that’s the case here.

Johnson didn’t meet with the media Friday, but his teammates were glad to have him back, including defensive tackle Jordan Davis.

“He has a calming presence,” Davis said. “When I see him, I’m like, ‘All right, this is Lane.’ And one day I’m not going to be able to say that I have him in the locker room. It’s just very good to have him out here. And everybody knows he’s a baller, man. He’s a f— baller.

“Lane, man, he’s a cornerstone, bro.”

The versatile and experienced Fred Johnson, 29, has often filled in for Lane Johnson in games and practices. He’s shown flashes of starting-caliber ability and left for a starting job in Jacksonville in March 2025, only to boomerang back to Philadelphia in a trade five months later.

For much of this week, rookie tackle Markel Bell — the Eagles’ third-round pick out of Miami — got reps over Fred Johnson. At 6-foot-9, 345 pounds, Bell is remarkably athletic, and the Eagles see lots of potential in him.

“I think what you see with Markel is just his length and how big he is and how hard he is to get around in the pass rush,” Sirianni said. “Just working on getting on the same page with the combination blocks. There’s so many things that go on there with the offensive line of having to work in tandem.

“I’ve seen progression there, and that’s what you want with all your players.”

Injury report

OUT: WR DeVonta Smith (hamstring), WR Makai Lemon (hamstring), WR Britain Covey (hamstring), LB Keyshawn James-Newby (ankle), S Cole Wisniewski (hamstring). LIMITED: ILB Chance Campbell (groin), G Micah Morris (shoulder), RT Lane Johnson (progressing workload).

Center Cam Jurgens, accompanied by trainers, went to the medical tent during drills and then went inside the team facility. He was walking under his own power.

Camp notes

● Second-year wide receiver Darius Cooper continues to stand out early in camp. He’s compact and physical at 5-11, 210 pounds, with good hands and a willingness to block. The Eagles signed him last year after he went undrafted out of Tarleton State. He also brings value on special teams, which threatens the injured Britain Covey.

● Quarterback Jalen Hurts is loving wide receiver Dontayvion Wicks, whom the Birds acquired from Green Bay in the offseason. They seem simpatico, with a similar killer instinct. Wicks is part of a crowded WR room that includes DeVonta Smith, Makai Lemon, Elijah Moore, Hollywood Brown, Johnny Wilson and Quez Watkins.

● Players sang “Happy Birthday” to Hurts after Friday’s practice. The quarterback was celebrating his 28th birthday.

● Former Red Sox and Cubs general manager Theo Epstein, who helped break the title-drought “curses” of both franchises, visited training camp Friday and chatted with GM Howie Roseman.

● New Sixers acquisition Jaylen Brown was at Eagles camp Friday, a day after his introductory press conference and appearance at the Phillies game.

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Delaware County Daily Times: https://tinyurl.com/4sfcmt3j

Originally published Aug. 5, 2026

PHILADELPHIA — If Tanner McKee arrived at training camp as the presumed favorite to remain the Eagles’ backup quarterback, Andy Dalton didn’t get the memo.

Through a week and a half of camp, Dalton — who turns 39 in October — has made QB2 a legit position battle.

Dalton, a spring acquisition though hardly a spring chicken, again worked with the second-team offense Wednesday, continuing a rotation that has become less about courtesy and more about competition. The veteran brings 15 seasons of NFL experience and a command of Sean Mannion’s offense.

“I’ve been in this (type of) system multiple times,” Dalton said a day earlier. “I think, quick decision-making, a lot of pure progressions and understanding certain coverages, when you can get off on certain routes and different things. I feel really comfortable with this offense.”

McKee, 26, seemed solidified as the backup until a choppy performance at the Linc in last January’s regular-season finale — a 24-17 loss to a four-win Washington team. McKee was 21 of 40 for 241 yards with a touchdown, a pick and a 68.9 passer rating.

The underwhelming numbers could have been worse; it was his jumpy demeanor and lack of readiness that were alarming after he’d impressed in cool fashion in all his previous showings.

McKee has rebounded after an uneven start to camp with several strong practices of his own, but neither he nor Dalton has quite separated himself yet. Sixth-round rookie Cole Payton has been the fourth-stringer.

“Tanner’s been great,” Dalton said. “You can tell the confidence that he has in playing. He’s smart. He understands exactly what we’re trying to do. And so I’ve been impressed with Tanner. It’s been fun.

“The approach I’ve taken is just do nothing but support and kind of build up (the other QBs), especially on the sideline. Just be a sounding board. Whenever they need to let something out, just be there to be able to listen and give the best advice you can.”

The first-team offense, meanwhile, belonged to Jalen Hurts Wednesday — a lighter session after two intense days in full pads.

With receivers DeVonta Smith, Makai Lemon and Britain Covey all sidelined with hamstring injuries, Hurts turned in one of his sharper practices of camp, repeatedly pushing the ball downfield while also keeping it himself on several runs as the Eagles continued installing Mannion’s offense.

Hurts even high-stepped toward the end of one long run, clearly enjoying himself.

“Football’s a fun game,” he said afterward, adding that the offense is still in a “calibrating” phase.

“The big things are won in the small moments and the small details,” Hurts said. “Being able to put it all together, operate at a good pace with urgency, making sure everyone’s communicating, everyone’s got all ears, and they’re listening and understanding their assignments and what they’re asked to do. That’s where it all starts.

“We’ve got a lot of new pieces, an entirely new approach and philosophy to our offense. So being able to put that together and make it our own, I’m excited about where we are.”

The quarterback runs have been more noticeable this week, but Hurts said it’s too early to know how much they’ll ultimately become part of the offense.

“It’s too soon to answer yet,” he said. “We’re still installing things and putting all aspects of our offense in. We haven’t finished installing. There’s still more to come, but we’re working and we’re building. I think in training camp, especially with new pieces and a new offense, it’s the ability to retain information and then put it together, go out there, and execute.”

One receiver who has caught Hurts’ attention is Dontayvion Wicks.

“He’s got great work ethic. He’s got a great, great hunger. … He’s got that anger to him. He’s got a little bit of rage in him for the best. … He runs great routes.”

Injury updates

The Eagles appeared to dodge a scare with Cooper DeJean after the defensive back briefly left Tuesday’s practice with an apparent arm injury. He was back in action Wednesday. Defensive coordinator Vic Fangio brushed off concerns.

“That’s news to me,” Fangio said about DeJean’s arm.

In addition to Smith, Lemon and Covey being out, right tackle Lane Johnson again missed practice for personal reasons. Edge rusher Keyshawn James-Newby (ankle), guard Micah Morris (shoulder), guard Jaeden Roberts (calf) and safety Cole Wisniewski (hamstring) also did not practice.

Camp notes

● Michael Carter II continues to make a strong case for a significant role in the secondary. Fangio said he “might be the only guy learning three positions” — safety, nickel and the sixth defensive back package — and added, “He’s had a very good camp.”

● Fangio credited second-year free safety Andrew Mukuba’s improvement to experience more than athleticism. “It’s just the thought process speeding up,” he said. Marcus Epps is the frontrunner to start at strong safety, replacing Reed Blankenship.

● Jeremiah Trotter Jr. is “the best I’ve seen him look since we’ve had him,” Fangio said, adding the linebacker is simply playing faster because he’s processing the defense more quickly.

● Jordan Davis’ improved conditioning continues to show up. “He’s had a good camp,” Fangio said. “He’s doing the little things better.”

● Fangio offered an unsolicited endorsement of linebacker Chance Campbell. “Don’t sleep on Chance now,” he said. “We like Chance. Chance is a good football player.”

● Arnold Ebiketie has benefited from Jonathan Greenard’s absence. Fangio said the veteran edge rusher is “having a much better camp.”

● Rookie long snapper Rocco Underwood has impressed special teams coordinator Michael Clay. “He’s doing a great job … while quickly building chemistry with teammates,” Clay said.

● Before his hamstring injury, Lemon continued to impress as a punt returner. “He’s very natural in terms of catching the ball,” Clay said.

● Clay dismissed the notion that kicker Jake Elliott ever fell out of love with football, saying the veteran kicker simply needed to reset mentally and regain confidence.

● The Eagles signed rookie WR Brandon Hayes. He will wear No. 47. The 6-foot-2, 205-pound Hayes went undrafted out of Southeastern Louisiana. He was signed to the Eagles roster May 27 before being released June 5. There was an open roster spot after the Eagles waived defensive lineman Ta’Quon Graham on Sunday.

● Fangio, a longtime Phillies fan from Scranton, offered his take on the team’s trade deadline — particularly the acquisition of second baseman and three-time batting champ Luis Arráez — saying the moves will “definitely” improve the offense before adding, “We’ll see how it does defensively.” To make room for Arráez at second, Bryson Stott moved to third, Alec Bohm moved to first and Bryce Harper moved back to right field.

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Delaware County Daily Times: https://tinyurl.com/y73xwzhw

Originally published July 30, 2026

PHILADELPHIA — It was a case of Italian on Italian crime.

Vic Fangio had not yet answered a question Thursday morning when he wandered out of football and into politics.

Asked about the Eagles’ unsettled safety positions, the highly respected defensive coordinator smiled and reached for a big news story from the previous day.

“I’m going to be like Fauci and just take the Fifth Amendment on your question,” Fangio said, chuckling. “Did you guys see that? Oh, my God.”

Dr. Anthony Fauci is a retired, world-renowned physician and immunologist who earned his medical degree from Cornell and completed his internal medicine residency at Cornell’s New York-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center. He later joined the National Institutes of Health.

Fauci was instrumental in combating infectious diseases in the United States and around the world, including AIDS, SARS, swine flu and Ebola.

He helped architect PEPFAR (President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief) under President George W. Bush — an initiative pioneered by Bono that cost Americans less than 1% of their tax dollars and saved 25 million lives while promoting American soft interest in poor, vulnerable countries.

President Donald Trump and Elon Musk took a chainsaw to the program early in Trump’s current term.

But it was Fauci’s work on COVID-19 during President Trump’s first term that put him in the political crosshairs.

Fauci invoked his Fifth Amendment right more than 100 times Wednesday during a contentious Senate hearing about the origins of COVID-19 and federally funded research.

Fangio apparently caught enough of the proceedings to work the spectacle into his opening answer on Day 2 of Eagles training camp.

He wasn’t finished.

Later, a reporter told Fangio that general manager Howie Roseman had avoided answering a similar question about safeties a day earlier.

“He ducked you?” Fangio asked. “He Faucied you?”

Fangio was joking. Most media members laughed.

The exchanges are already delighting some on the political right, where Fauci has long been vilified as a symbol of government overreach, pandemic restrictions and unanswered questions about COVID-19.

It should be noted that Trump invoked the Fifth Amendment nearly 450 times during a 2022 deposition in New York’s civil fraud investigation of his decades-long financial practices — a useful reminder that exercising the Constitutional right isn’t confined to one political side.

Also, over the course of Fauci’s government career, he served under seven presidents from both parties: Republican Ronald Reagan, Republican George H.W. Bush, Democrat Bill Clinton, Republican George W. Bush, Democrat Barack Obama, Republican Trump and Democrat Joe Biden.

On Jan. 19, 2021 — the final day of Trump’s first term — Trump honored Fauci and 51 others who worked on “Operation Warp Speed,” which rapidly developed vaccines to fight COVID-19. Those unprecedented vaccines ended the global pandemic that had killed and hospitalized millions of people and debilitated economies around the world.

Trump, who has repeatedly attacked the scientific community and undermined basic institutions, has since distanced himself from “Operation Warp Speed” because many of his die-hard supporters, ironically, no longer trust vaccines after Trump's own disinformation and poisoning of the political well.

“Operation Warp Speed” was historic and perhaps Trump’s greatest accomplishment — one of the great feats of any president. It came after he initially mismanaged and lied about the pandemic, including saying on March 24, 2020, that it would magically go away by Easter and speculating on April 23, 2020, that people could inject disinfectant into their arms.

All of that said, anyone rushing to enlist Fangio in a political cause should probably take the Fifth themselves. Fangio’s public history of politics is both limited and more complicated than a few wisecracks.

After George Floyd was murdered by Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin in 2020, recorded and replayed in full on national television, Fangio (then the head coach of the Denver Broncos) said he was “shocked, sad and angry.” He said Chauvin should be punished to the fullest extent of the law and accused him of betraying the badge and uniform he had been entrusted to wear.

Fangio called racism a societal problem “that we all have to join in to correct.”

He stumbled badly in the same news conference when he said he did not see racism or discrimination in the NFL and described the league as a meritocracy. Players and others quickly challenged him.

Fangio listened. Then he apologized.

He said his comments were wrong and acknowledged that players, coaches and employees had experiences different from his own. He said that outside the locker room and the field, the NFL and society still had much work to do in creating diversity and opportunities for minorities.

Fangio later joined Broncos players, coaches and staff in a Denver march against racism.

He also defended the right of players to protest and praised then-Broncos safety Justin Simmons for his progressive activism. Simmons marched for Black Lives Matter against police officers killing unarmed Black men, with Simmons stating “All lives will matter when Black lives matter.”

“I thought it was great,” Fangio said of Simmons’ peaceful protests. “Justin is a great person, a great leader and has his head screwed on correctly.”

Fangio said players should do what they believed was right. He also has publicly supported the Rooney Rule, the NFL policy designed to increase hiring opportunities for minority coaching and executive candidates.

None of that makes him a man of the left any more than Thursday’s jokes make him a man of the right.

It makes him Vic Fangio.

Fangio saw something funny. He cracked a joke about it. Then he went back to football before anybody could put a campaign hat on him — no matter how hard they tried.

By the way, Andrew Mukuba, in his second year and returning from an ankle injury, is expected to start at free safety in most sets while Marcus Epps is the leader at strong safety. Nickel cornerback Cooper DeJean will contribute at safety in base packages. But a lot can happen before the Eagles open their season Sept. 13.

Follow Christiaan DeFranco on X and Threads at @the_defranc.

Delaware County Daily Times: https://tinyurl.com/33w47hpb

Originally published July 29, 2026

PHILADELPHIA — Pro Bowl edge rusher Jonathan Greenard, whom the Eagles acquired in April, has landed on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list after suffering a pectoral injury while weightlifting just before training camp began, the team announced Wednesday.

General manager Howie Roseman indicated he doesn’t expect it to be a long-term issue.

“One of the things we know about Greenard is he’s going to be ready to play,” Roseman said, sitting alongside coach Nick Sirianni at the media-tent podium as camp opened. “Training camp is so important, practice is so important, but when you have a guy that prepares the way he does, who has the experience in the NFL the way he does, you know he’s going to be ready to play when we start the season.”

The Eagles traded for Greenard on April 24 during the NFL draft, sending a 2026 third-round pick (later used on Jakobe Thomas) and 2027 third-round pick to Minnesota. They also received a seventh-round pick in return.

Greenard, 29, then signed a four-year, $100 million deal ($50 million guaranteed) with Philadelphia.

He recorded back-to-back double-digit sack seasons with the Houston Texans in 2023 and Vikings in 2024 before an injury-shortened 2025 season. Over the past two full seasons, he totaled 24½ sacks, 111 combined tackles, 44 QB hits, five forced fumbles and five passes defensed.

Record deal for Jalen Carter

As players reported to camp for conditioning testing Tuesday, the Eagles inked two-time Pro Bowl selection Jalen Carter to a reported four-year, $152 million extension worth up to $160 million, including $106 million guaranteed, that makes him the highest-paid defensive tackle in NFL history.

Carter, 25, will now be under contract with the Birds through the 2031 season.

“It was important for me to stay here with the guys that I know and have been playing with for the last three years,” Carter said. “Like I said, I let my agent (Drew Rosenhaus) do most of the talking. The numbers weren’t in my head like that. They came back to me with information, and we got a deal done and I’m happy to be here.”

The former Georgia star fought through shoulder injuries last year and played in just 11 games, finishing with 33 combined tackles, three sacks, 12 QB hits and seven passes defensed. But he’s a game-wrecker when healthy.

Carter made the NFL All-Rookie Team in 2023, and in 2024 had 42 tackles, 4½ sacks, 16 QB hits, two forced fumbles and six passes defensed.

“I’ve really enjoyed getting to know Jalen more and more each year,” Sirianni said. “And the time that I’ve spent with him, he’s put his head down, he’s worked, he’s made impactful plays, and we look for that to continue.

“And he’s a heck of a football player that demands a lot of attention by the opposing offense. … He’s focused so much on football. He came back in phenomenal shape — with his weight, with his conditioning test. So even with that contract still looming, he worked his ass off, and I’m proud of him for that. And it shows you the type of guy he is and he’ll continue to be.”

Carter was ejected from the 2025 season opener against Dallas for spitting on Dak Prescott after the Cowboys QB spit toward him. In his final season at Georgia, Carter was involved in four driving-related incidents in five months — the last a street-racing accident that killed teammate Devin Willock and Bulldogs staffer Chandler LeCroy and injured two others.

But the Eagles brass believes in him and his development.

“I don’t know what off-field concerns (we’ve had) since Jalen’s been here,” Roseman said. “Last year, he wasn’t 100 percent. He was trying to fight through that, and play through that. We understand that.

“Like anyone, when you’re 25 years old, you’re still growing as a person and a player.”

Camp notes

● The Eagles still have several guys on defense who need to be re-signed in the coming years, including cornerback Quinyon Mitchell and nickel Cooper DeJean. It will be up to Roseman and his staff to get financially creative again.

“I would say to our fans, if you’re wearing a jersey with some of those guys’ names on the back, we fully intend for those guys to be here for the long term,” Roseman said.

● Inside linebacker Jihaad Campbell (shoulder) was a full participant after missing spring practice. He worked alongside Zack Baun on the first team. Jeremiah Trotter Jr. and Smael Mondon were with the second team, but Trotter briefly subbed in with the first unit.

● Receiver Makai Lemon (hamstring), the Eagles’ first-round pick out of USC, appeared fully recovered from his spring injury. He was involved in both 7-on-7 and 11-on-11 drills.

● Top wideout DeVonta Smith had a big catch against Mitchell, who had a nice pass deflection against Dontayvion Wicks.

● Quarterback Jalen Hurts on LeBron James coming to Philly: “I think for what he represents in sports and sports culture, it’s huge. And it’s huge for the city of Philadelphia. It’ll be exciting to have a figure like that in the city. What he’s done — he’s one of the greatest to ever do it. I’m excited to be a part of that.”

Follow Christiaan DeFranco on X and Threads at @the_defranc.

Delaware County Daily Times: https://tinyurl.com/bde59vx9

Originally published July 26, 2026

PHILADELPHIA — LeBron James, miraculously the 76ers’ newest acquisition, idolized Michael Jordan growing up and has worn his No. 23 since high school and through most of his pro career. Jordan, with a thirst for the jugular unsurpassed by any athlete in history, famously used any real or perceived slight as motivation.

Sometimes he even invented one just to give himself the competitive fuel he needed.

“It became personal with me,” Jordan often said of any snub, actual or imagined, while recalling dismantling an opponent. He uttered similar phrases frequently enough in his 2020 retrospective documentary series, “The Last Dance,” for them to become internet memes.

As LeBron finalized his signing here, there was no doubt about the slight against the Phillies’ Alec Bohm Sunday night, when the New York Yankees intentionally walked Brandon Marsh — loading the bases with two outs in the third — to pitch to Bohm instead.

Asking Bohm postgame (paraphrasing Jordan) if he “took that personally” drew the following response:

“It’s happened a lot to me in my career, but yeah, that time it kind of pissed me off,” Bohm said firmly. “I feel like I’m the type of player that, through most of my career, you haven’t really wanted to come up in those situations (if you’re the team at bat). So I’m just kind of, I guess, tired of people thinking that.

“I’m tired of people thinking that I’m the easy out.”

Bohm, on an 84-mph sweeper on the lower outside corner from Yankees righty Will Warren, delivered a looping, bases-clearing double to the alley in left-center to cap a brilliant, nine-pitch at-bat and extend the Phillies’ lead to 5-0.

Philadelphia ended up pounding the Yankees 11-4 to snap a four-game skid before leaving on a week-long road trip to Miami and Baltimore.

Shortly before Bohm spoke about the at-bat, Phillies manager Don Mattingly talked about “taking it personally.”

“I think you always do when they walk the guy in front of you,” Mattingly said. “It’s always a little tricky because you know you’re getting the best of that guy.

“So it was really good to see (Bohm) come through there. Obviously, we needed to score tonight. But to battle in that at-bat, foul some balls off and get that knock, that was huge.”

After a dreadful first two months, Bohm is hitting .221 with 13 homers, 57 RBIs and a .650 OPS this season. He has grounded into 14 double plays — tied for fifth-most in baseball. Yet he’s slashing an impressive .306/.370/.506 with runners in scoring position, which is among the best.

“Just as competitors, we’re always believing that we’re going to get the hit and come through in the big spot,” Bohm said. “It was a big situation. … It was a chance for us to create some separation there. So, yeah, I think I was just really trying to give my best at-bat right there so we could cash in.

“It’s not like I’m mad at (the Yankees) for (intentionally walking Marsh) or mad at anybody in particular. … I know what the numbers say, but I don’t feel like I’m an out going up there. And I think obviously in those situations, you want to make them feel like they made a mistake.

“I ground into some double plays, but, you know, I’ll take my chances putting the ball in play and moving the ball and making the other team make a play.”

Bryson Stott went 3-for-4 with a double, home run and five RBIs Sunday. Trea Turner was 2-for-5 with a triple and two runs scored. Kyle Schwarber drove in a run and crossed the plate twice. Bryan De La Cruz was 2-for-2, and the Phillies racked up 13 hits after generating next to no offense in all but two games since the All-Star break.

The question is, can they sustain such offense over long stretches and make it the norm rather than the exception?

After Mattingly took over for Rob Thomson, it seemed that way until recently. But Bohm still feels confident.

“I think just the fact that we can do it one through nine,” Bohm said. “You know the guys can chip in everywhere throughout the lineup.”

By the way, 6s are running wild as the Phillies embark on a six-game road swing. LeBron’s only other NBA jersey number has been No. 6, a nod to his son Bronny’s Oct. 6 birthday — and to Sixers legend Julius Erving, who wore No. 6 with the, um, Sixers.

Follow Christiaan DeFranco on X and Threads at @the_defranc.

Delaware County Daily Times: https://tinyurl.com/mwzm68en

Originally published July 25, 2026

PHILADELPHIA — Trea Turner led off with the score tied in the bottom of the fifth Saturday evening against the New York Yankees and proceeded to put together an epic, 11-pitch at-bat that included taking three very close balls — a sweeper just inside, a changeup barely low and a sinker just off the outside edge — and fouling off six pitches.

Ultimately, he went down swinging.

It was another near miss for the Phillies, who lost 3-1 and dropped their third straight series since the All-Star break, previously losing to the Mets and Dodgers. They should have beaten the Mets and Dodgers, but blunders in the field and on the basepaths, plus cold bats, proved the difference.

It was a reminder of recent Octobers, when the Phillies have been right there against good competition only to come up short.

The Phillies have squandered some stellar pitching performances recently, including from Zack Wheeler and Jesús Luzardo. Even in Saturday’s bullpen game, the Phillies’ hodgepodge of short-inning guys kept them in it, but Philadelphia ended up losing in front of a sellout crowd of 44,552 at Citizens Bank Park while a huge contingent of Yankees fans cheered throughout the stands.

“I felt like it was a good at-bat,” Turner said about the fifth inning. “I missed a couple strikes and then just chased a pitch or two at the end. It was frustrating because you’re competing out there, but you tip your cap.”

Turner, who ended up 1-for-3, started the bottom of the first with a hit-by-pitch. Kyle Schwarber followed with a double to center, and Harper brought home Turner with a sac fly. But after an Alec Bohm groundout and Edmundo Sosa strikeout, the Phils had to settle for just that one run, and they never scored again.

In the first two games of the Yankees series, the Phils were 1-for-12 with runners in scoring position.

“Obviously, (the offense) hasn’t been great (since the break),” manager Don Mattingly said. “We haven’t really scored. But the one thing you can rest assured, nobody’s going up there not trying to get hits. We’re not going into the game not trying to score. We are in a spot where we haven’t scored and we haven’t swung the bats great, but we gotta continue to work and keep fighting through it.

“This is not a young club that’s gonna give up on themselves. … They’re not gonna quit playing. There’s a long way to go. There’s gonna be a lot of big series coming, a lot of baseball to be played. I don’t think there’s gonna be a panic within the club of all of a sudden we’re not a good club.”

It was the Phillies’ fourth straight loss as their second-half record fell to 2-6. In five of those six defeats, they scored one run or fewer. They had once closed the gap behind the NL East-leading Braves to two games, but Saturday it slipped to 5½.

This is their first real swoon under Mattingly.

“You’d like to win every series,” Mattingly said. “You hit a stretch where you’re not playing good, you’re running into some good teams and you’re not scoring, it makes it tough. Like early in the year, we run into the Braves and the Cubs when they’re both on fire and we don’t do anything with them. But that doesn’t mean we can’t beat them. It means we just gotta get going again.”

Every time the Phillies falter against postseason-level opponents, it raises concerns about October. Plus, beating high-caliber opponents would bring some confidence.

So far this year, the Phillies have lost two series to the Dodgers, two to the Cubs, two to the Braves, one to Cleveland, one to Arizona, one to the Rangers, one to Milwaukee and one to the Yankees.

All those clubs would make the playoffs if the season ended today.

The only current playoff teams they’ve won series against are the Red Sox and White Sox (one apiece). They have yet to play Tampa Bay, which leads the AL East.

“You want to play well,” Turner said. “We’re not doing enough as a team, really, just picking each other up here and there. But when there’s good teams on the other side of the field, you don’t get to make mistakes or get many extra opportunities. So we’ve just gotta play a little bit better.

“But yeah, if you run into a good team and you beat them in a series, I think it gives you confidence. … It hasn’t been our best (since the break). I think we know that. We want to play better. I just think it kind of goes back to what Donnie said early on when he got the job, it’s just 3 hours of competing and don’t let your foot off the gas. I don’t think it’s a lack of effort, but I do think we need to get that back a little bit.”

A rookie at age 32

Right-hander Brian Keller, a 32-year-old journeyman whom the Phillies signed to a minor league deal in May, made his major league debut — facing the franchise that drafted him in the 39th round 10 years ago. Mattingly called his number in the third inning after Tim Mayza served as the opener.

Keller immediately struck out Jazz Chisolm and got a groundout from Jose Caballero, but Austin Wells homered over the left-center field wall. Keller recovered, allowing just a single the rest of the way while finishing with three strikeouts and no walks over three frames.

“It was amazing, a dream come true,” a beaming Keller said. “It felt good to start on a high note, for sure. You picture it over and over. You picture it going well and you picture going poorly, but I’m glad it turned out all right.

“You know, I was surprisingly calm out there. So yeah, really happy.”

The 6-foot-3 Keller, who spent time playing in Japan and came back from Tommy John surgery, had about 20 family and friends in attendance. He made a combined 10 starts this season for the rookie-level Florida Complex League Phillies and Triple-A Lehigh Valley Iron Pigs, posting a 2.06 ERA with 41 strikeouts, 12 walks and a 0.99 WHIP while limiting opposing hitters to a .188 average.

In his last four starts with the IronPigs since June 24, Keller had a 0.82 ERA and a 0.59 WHIP. He has played seven minor league seasons in the Yankees, Red Sox and Phillies systems. He also played in the Hanshin Tigers’ farm system in 2023 before suffering elbow problems.

“He handled himself fine,” Mattingly said, shaking his head positively. “He threw strikes, he went after them. … He threw the ball over the plate, was on the attack, wasn’t walking people. So that part of it, we like.”

New outfield acquisition

The Phillies acquired outfielder Kameron Misner from the Kansas City Royals for cash considerations and optioned him to Triple-A Lehigh Valley. To make room on the 40-man roster, outfielder Steward Berroa was designated for assignment.

Misner, 28, was originally selected by the Royals in the first round (35th overall) in the 2019 draft out of the University of Missouri. The lefty played in 18 games for Kansas City this season and made 11 starts among all three outfield positions. In 41 at-bats, he slashed .220/.256/.244 with four RBIs and three stolen bases.

In 63 games for Triple-A Omaha this year, his slash line was .286/.378/.563 with a .941 OPS in 270 plate appearances. Last season, he played a total of 503.2 innings in the outfield for the Royals and was credited with five defensive runs saved and three outs above average.

He also played with the Tampa Bay Rays for two years before returning to Kansas City.

Berroa, 27, played in six games for the Phillies this season and made appearances at all three outfield spots. Born in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, Berroa was acquired by the Phillies from the Milwaukee Brewers for cash considerations April 8.

Notes

● The Phillies are 9-24 this season when they don’t hit a home run.

● Closer Jhoan Duran, with a perfect ninth, extended his scoreless innings streak to a career-high 13⅔.

● Brandon Marsh is batting .165 in July. His average is down 51 points from a season-high .338 to .287. He’s hitting just .233 vs. lefties, so Mattingly has returned to mostly starting him against right-handers, at least for now. He pinch-hit Saturday and finished 0-for-2.

● LHP Tanner Banks (forearm) was transferred to the 60-day injured list. … RHP Alex McFarlane was optioned to Triple-A Lehigh Valley following Friday night’s game. … LHP Kyle Backhus was recalled from Lehigh Valley. … RHP Max Lazar was optioned to Lehigh Valley.

● Yankees outfielder Cody Bellinger, who was awarded the MLB All-Star Game MVP in this ballpark the previous week, suffered an injury to his left hamstring rounding first on a double in the top of the eighth. He later exited the game.

Follow Christiaan DeFranco on X and Threads at @the_defranc.

Delaware County Daily Times: https://tinyurl.com/sc7bz8ve

Originally published July 15, 2026

PHILADELPHIA — Los Angeles Angels outfielder Mike Trout, a 12-time All-Star, is a staple on the Eagles’ sidelines whenever possible.

The 34-year-old native of Millville, N.J., is a season-ticket holder eager to see the Birds’ new offense after they brought in coordinator Sean Mannion and made some other staff and personnel changes.

“I am, I am,” Trout said Tuesday night outside the American League clubhouse at Citizens Bank Park. “You know, it’s crazy, I was talking to Coop (All-Pro nickel cornerback Cooper DeJean) yesterday. They start up in like two weeks. The offseason is short. I’m just happy they’re starting up.”

The Eagles open training camp July 28. On May 1, Topps released a “Finest Fan” NFL trading card featuring Trout in Eagles garb. The future baseball Hall of Famer grew up a die-hard fan of all the Philly teams, but especially the Birds and Phillies.

He pitched and played shortstop for Millville Senior High School and threw a no-hitter against Egg Harbor Township as a junior in 2008.

In 2007 and 2008, Trout played in the Phillies’ Carpenter Cup tournament — the franchise’s regional showcase of high school stars from Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Delaware — with the Tri-Cape squad. In ‘08, he homered at CBP and made a memorable diving stab at short.

The Angels drafted him 25th overall the following year after he switched to center field.

“I look back on a lot of things. … It’s special on this field to be back,” Trout said. “I feel like I’ve come full circle.”

Trout, who has been beset by injuries in recent years, received a thunderous ovation from the hometown crowd when he was introduced at the All-Star Game — as soon as his silhouette appeared inside a Liberty Bell-shaped entryway to the field for starting players.

“I’m just happy for him, making it back (from injuries) in the place where he grew up,” said Dodgers first baseman Freddie Freeman, who gave an impromptu on-field hug to Trout. “Once in a generational player.”

Trout led off for the American League playing center but ended up going 0-for-3 with a strikeout. This season, mostly healthy so far, he’s hitting just .237 but with 18 homers, 39 RBIs and an .863 OPS.

Trout’s legacy as a player is sealed. Right now he’s a lifetime .291 hitter with 422 home runs, 1,057 RBIs, .566 slug, .971 OPS, 1,254 runs scored and 221 stolen bases. He’s a five-tool player who, in his prime, was the modern incarnation of Mickey Mantle.

He’s still pretty damn good when healthy.

Trout, one of the best right-handed bats ever and the 2012 AL Rookie of the Year, has three AL MVP awards, nine AL Silver Slugger awards (for best offensive player at his position) and two AL Hank Aaron awards (for best hitter). Despite not owning any Gold Gloves, he has consistently been a finalist with his superb defense.

“He was my favorite player growing up,” Kansas City Royals shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. said. “Everything about the way he played the game — I tried to model myself after him.

“Just getting to share the field with him is pretty special.”

Unfortunately for Trout and baseball fans everywhere, one of the greatest players of all time has often gone unseen because the Angels are usually irrelevant in the standings and play on the West Coast in the shadow of the well-run Dodgers. Such an oversight has only fueled speculation that Trout would (and should) eventually come home to play for the Phillies.

He owns a house down the road from his parents in Millville and built the highly exclusive Trout National golf course — designed by Tiger Woods — in neighboring Vineland.

But Trout’s best seasons seem to be behind him and he has 4½ years remaining on a hefty contract that pays him $37.1 million annually.

Also, he seems content in Anaheim — loyal to the franchise that drafted him, that has committed half a billion dollars to him — and he has refused to waive his no-trade clause. He said he’ll discuss the Angels’ future plans with interim general manager John Mozeliak at some point soon.

The Angels, under longtime owner Artie Moreno, haven’t fielded a winning team in 11 years. Trout has played in the postseason just once (2014), going 1-for-12 with a solo home run and three walks.

Mozeliak, the team’s third GM during Trout’s tenure, has said the prized outfielder will never be dealt to the Phillies.

This is the same organization that let international two-way superstar Shohei Ohtani move up the I-5 in free agency to join the Dodgers after standing pat at the 2023 trade deadline.

Does Mike Trout want to win?

“The easy way out is just to ask for a trade,” Trout has repeatedly said. “But when I signed that contract, I’m loyal. I want to win a championship here (in Anaheim). … I want to win. It would mean more to win here than somewhere else that’s already won. That’s my goal. That’s why I’m here.”

OK. But even assuming the Angels prioritize winning (which they promised Trout when he signed his current deal), there’s no recent evidence suggesting they’re even competent enough to build a contending roster.

“I have a no-trade clause, so ultimately it’s up to me,” Trout said. “I’m with the Angels.”

He’ll still be at the Linc on Eagles gamedays.

Follow Christiaan DeFranco on X and Threads at @the_defranc.

Delaware County Daily Times: https://tinyurl.com/45xvmjja

Originally published July 15, 2026

PHILADELPHIA — Cristopher Sánchez wanted one more batter.

The Phillies left-hander had already thrown 30 stressful pitches. He had loaded the bases and given up three runs. National League manager Dave Roberts of the Dodgers was ready to come get him with two outs and two men still on.

Sánchez talked his way into staying in the game.

“I asked for one more hitter because I just wanted to get through the inning,” Sánchez said through Phillies interpreter Diego D’Aniello. “Luckily, he let me have that one more hitter and I was able to get out of that first inning.”

It was about the only thing that went according to plan Tuesday night.

Starting the All-Star Game in front of a roaring Citizens Bank Park crowd, Sánchez labored through the opening frame before the American League rolled to a 4-0 victory. He allowed three runs on three hits and two walks while striking out two in the one inning, throwing 34 pitches.

The game began well enough when Sánchez dealt a changeup past South Jersey native Mike Trout of the Angels for a strikeout. But after a walk and a pair of singles loaded the bases, Yankees outfielder Cody Bellinger lined a two-run single up the middle. Fellow Yankee Ben Rice followed with an RBI single before Sánchez escaped further damage by retiring Riley Greene.

Roberts wasn’t surprised his starter looked different than he has throughout a Cy Young-caliber first half of the season.

“No, he didn’t,” Roberts said when discussing whether Sánchez had his usual stuff. “I think that with Cristopher, it was very emotional for him pitching here, being a starter at the game, so I don’t think that it’s a normal start. He just wasn’t as sharp with his command as he normally is. But it’s one of those things that it’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.”

Despite a bumpy outing, the moment meant everything to Sánchez, who soaked in the ovation from Phillies fans before the first pitch. He tapped his chest in the bullpen during introductions and waved to family members in the stands.

“Just a sign of respect to the fans and just a little payback for all the love that they gave me on such an important day, both for me and for the fan base,” Sánchez said.

The 29-year-old from the Dominican Republic called it “an incredible experience.”

“Sharing love with the fans and how joyful they are with us, that’s part of this experience,” Sánchez said. “Also sharing the clubhouse with the superstars, it’s just an amazing thing to do.”

Bellinger, who was awarded the Ted Williams All-Star Game MVP, knows how difficult Sánchez has been to solve this season. And he entered just 2-for-8 lifetime against the Phils lefty.

“He’s such a dominant pitcher and his stuff is so good,” Bellinger said. “For me, it was all the guys in front of me. … Bases loaded, two outs, I just tried to keep it simple.”

Later, Bellinger appreciated the significance of delivering the game’s biggest hit against the hometown ace.

“Especially against Sánchez,” Bellinger said. “The pitching was just dominant today.”

National League batters didn’t exactly pick up Sánchez, producing just three hits against the stifling American League arms. The Phillies’ Kyle Schwarber, Brandon Marsh and Bryce Harper were a combined 0-for-5 with four strikeouts.

The first inning was frustrating for Sánchez, but one that hardly overshadowed what got him there. His first-half brilliance this season (11-4, 2.62 ERA, 144 strikeouts and a 1.19 WHIP) earned him the honor of becoming the first Phillies pitcher to start an All-Star Game since Roy Halladay in 2011. Even after the rocky opening inning, Sánchez left the field to another standing ovation from the home crowd.

“I’m super, super excited,” Sánchez said. “Coming from La Romana, from the Dominican Republic, from basically nothing, this means a lot. It’s just a sign that we’ve been doing things the right way and all that hard work is paying off.”

Follow Christiaan DeFranco on X and Threads at @the_defranc.

Delaware County Daily Times: https://tinyurl.com/2v5xrbzm

Originally published July 4, 2026

PHILADELPHIA — Outfielder Brandon Marsh is among five Phillies selected to the MLB All-Star Game at Citizens Bank Park on July 14.

Major League Baseball announced the All-Star rosters Saturday in front of a large crowd at Independence Mall.

Marsh, who is hitting .310 with 15 home runs, 46 RBIs and .857 OPS, was voted in by fans and will start in right field.

Phillies designated hitter Kyle Schwarber — who leads the majors with 30 homers to go along with 55 RBIs and a fourth-best .970 slug — received enough votes to qualify as a reserve. (Shohei Ohtani gets the start at DH.)

First baseman Bryce Harper is also a reserve. He was a “Legend Pick” by commissioner Rob Manfred. The legend pick is for the commissioner to add an iconic, historically significant player to the All-Star Game. Harper is batting .274 with 20 home runs and 57 RBIs.

“I think the longevity side of it (with) Harp,” Phillies manager Don Mattingly told reporters Saturday during the team’s series in Kansas City. “I think just the fact that he’s still continuing to play at that level, it’s huge.”

Phillies left-handed starting ace Cristopher Sánchez (10-3, 2.00, 136 K, 1.09 WHIP) — who threw 50⅔ consecutive scoreless innings (fifth in MLB history since 1893) earlier this season — and right-handed closer Jhoan Duran were voted in by the players (who determine pitcher selections).

This will be the first All-Star Game for Marsh and Duran.

“I think that first one is always special,” Mattingly said. “I just think that first one validates, ‘I’ve made it. I’m an All-Star.’ It’s just huge.”

Phils righty Zack Wheeler was snubbed. He missed the early part of the season recovering from thoracic outlet surgery, but he’s 8-1 with a 2.36 ERA, 84 strikeouts and 0.94 WHIP. He can still be tapped as a replacement.

National League manager Dave Roberts of the Dodgers will have to choose between Sánchez and Milwaukee Brewers ace Jacob Misiorowski as the game’s NL starter. “Miz” is 9-4 with a 1.47 ERA, 156 strikeouts and a 0.78 WHIP.

South Jersey native Mike Trout, 34, was voted to start in left field for the American League from the Los Angeles Angels. It’s the 12th All-Star selection for Trout, despite his currently underwhelming slash of .234/.394/.472. He’s injured but said he’ll try to play in some capacity.

“Grateful for everyone who voted, and honored to be selected as an All-Star again,” Trout posted on social media. “It’s pretty special to receive the news on the 250th birthday of our great nation. I love this game, and I love this country. Happy 250th, America!”

Detroit Tigers infielder and Delaware County native Kevin McGonigle was voted in as a reserve. He’s hitting .282 with seven homers, 31 RBIs, 11 stolen bases, 54 runs scored and an .814 OPS. This is his first selection.

Follow Christiaan DeFranco on X and Threads at @the_defranc.

Delaware County Daily Times: https://tinyurl.com/32ypykkr

Originally published July 2, 2026

PHILADELPHIA — The most overlooked story of the Phillies’ offseason was that they made zero effort to re-sign left-hander Ranger Suárez, one of the best big-game pitchers in baseball.

They could sure use him now.

Phillies president Dave Dombrowski let him walk like it was a foregone conclusion. This year with the dreadful Boston Red Sox, the 30-year-old Suárez is 4-3 with a 2.94 ERA, 1.13 WHIP, 92 strikeouts and 26 walks.

Two weeks ago against the Seattle Mariners, he carried a no-hitter into the seventh inning.

Dombrowski last fall: “We’d like to bring Ranger back. He’s one of our priorities. But we probably can’t keep all of our key free agents.”

Suárez’s health issues are well-documented — he missed some time each year and often broke down a bit in the second half. But its not as if he was Joel Embiid. You could usually count on him, and he was absolutely at his best when it mattered most.

In 11 career postseason appearances (42 2/3 innings, including eight starts), Suárez is 4-1 with a 1.48 ERA, 44 strikeouts, a 1.05 WHIP and a save.

His résumé includes starring roles in multiple elimination and series-clinching victories, including helping the Phillies secure the 2022 National League pennant, beating the Braves in a decisive Game 4 of the 2023 NLDS, and earning a win with five strong innings of relief against the Dodgers in last year’s NLDS.

Yet the Phillies’ response last offseason was: “Meh, buh-bye. We’ll replace you with 23-year-old Andrew Painter.”

Never mind that Painter was still recovering from Tommy John surgery, had serious command issues, and posted a less-than-stellar 5.25 ERA at Triple-A Lehigh Valley in 2025.

Now, after sending Painter back down with a 1-8 record and 7.06 ERA, the Phillies are actually thin on starting pitching — despite having a trio of frontline arms. Cristopher Sánchez, Zack Wheeler and, for the most part, Jesús Luzardo are all bankable stars. But Aaron Nola (3-5, 6.04 ERA) has become a crapshoot at best and still gives up the long ball way to much.

If one of the top three starters goes down with an injury, the Phillies are in trouble. They’re already piecemealing their fifth starter spot, once occupied by Painter.

Thursday’s 6-1 loss to the Pirates wasn’t Alan Rangel’s fault. He threw four scoreless frames to start the game, even though he piled up 90 pitches in that span, and maybe he even has a future as a starter.

“He was good,” manager Don Mattingly said. “He was kinda doing what he’s been doing for us the whole time, keeping us in the game. … You could tell he was kinda running out of gas at the end with the walks and things like that. But he did a nice job for us.”

OK. But right now — with a veteran roster and looming lockout in 2027 — the Phillies need to add a proven arm to their rotation (not to mention bullpen help and perhaps another right-handed-hitting outfielder).

“Schwarber, Realmuto, Suárez and Bader are our priorities, but it’s unlikely we’ll re-sign everybody,” Dombrowski said in the offseason. “(Owner) John (Middleton) is very supportive ... but you don’t have unlimited (money). I don’t think we’re going to have a $400 million payroll.”

The Phillies have been worried about their payroll and luxury tax. What happened to spending “stupid money”?

They re-signed DH Kyle Schwarber and catcher J.T. Realmuto. But why are Suárez and outfielder Harrison Bader no longer on the team?

Bader, 32 — a sparkplug player and punchy right-handed bat — wanted to stay here. In his brief time with the Phillies last year, he slashed .305/.361/.463 with five home runs, 16 RBIs and 30 runs scored in 194 plate appearances while playing a dynamic center field.

But he signed a two-year, $20.5 million contract with the San Francisco Giants in January. The Phillies could have afforded that!

Ranger inked a lucrative five-year, $130 million deal with Boston. That sounds like a lot until you break it down relatively.

His salary steadily increases over time, ultimately reaching $35 million in 2030 and 2031. But this year Suárez is making $7.6 million and next year $15.6 million. Wheeler, 36, who makes $42 million/year, comes off the Phillies’ books after next season.

When Suárez’s current contract is up, he’ll be younger than Wheeler is now.

These decisions aren’t 20/20 hindsight; they were questionable in real time when Dombrowski let Suárez and Bader walk away without so much as a wave goodbye last offseason.

Dombrowski is a future Hall of Fame executive, as he should be. His accomplishments are renowned.

Before Middleton persuaded him to come here in 2021, Dombrowski was working to bring a major league franchise to Nashville (which is on the horizon). He had been with Montreal, Florida, Detroit and Boston, and he had won at every stop.

His clubs, including the Phillies, have reached five World Series and won two of them — the Marlins and the Red Sox captured it all in 1997 and 2018, respectively — and he’s been a turnaround artist for struggling teams. Plus, he’s widely considered a good guy personally around baseball, for whatever it’s worth.

But how are his recent offseason decisions looking now?

Email Christiaan DeFranco at cdefranco@medianewsgroup.com. Follow him on X and Threads at @the_defranc.

Delaware County Daily Times: https://tinyurl.com/285wtxd9

Originally published July 1, 2026

PHILADELPHIA — In sweltering heat that took your breath away, Phillies right-handed ace Zack Wheeler labored through 4⅔ innings. The expected pitchers’ duel between him and Pirates righty Paul Skenes, the reigning National League Cy Young Award winner, never materialized Wednesday.

Phillies manager Don Mattingly, with a three-run lead, pulled Wheeler after 104 pitches with two men on in the fifth. Reliever Kyle Backhus promptly plunked the next two batters and Wheeler ended up charged with four runs on the night.

“I was upset at getting taken out of the game,” Wheeler said brusquely, adding that he should have been given a chance to finish the fifth. “I feel like I’ve earned that.”

Despite his troubles and some shaky Phillies defense, Wheeler struck out 10 while walking just one, though he allowed nine hits. Orion Kerkering (6-0, 2.62 ERA) picked up the win with 1⅔ flawless frames of relief — quelling a Pittsburgh rally in the seventh before Jhoan Duran took over in the ninth — as the Phillies downed the Pirates 10-6.

“I thought Wheels hung in there,” Mattingly said. “Obviously, it was one of those nights that the pitch count got extended early in the game. He didn’t get ahead in the count I’m sure as much as he would like. Gave up some soft contact for hits that just kind of extended innings, extended his pitch count.

“So it was just one of those nights. I don’t know if the heat’s got something to do with this game at all, but obviously it’s a situation where you’re not dealing with perfect weather out there.”

Wheeler (8-1, 2.36) beat Skenes in Pittsburgh on May 17 (6-0) with seven shutout innings.

Regarding Wednesday’s matchup: “I think it was a grind for both of us,” Wheeler said. “Just happy to get that done. It was the first really hot game of the year, so it takes a little getting used to. But once you get that one out of the way, it makes it a little easier for the rest of them.”

Skenes (6-8, 3.62 ERA) hasn’t won since May 12 against the Rockies. The Phillies roughed him up for seven earned runs over four frames Wednesday. They scored in four different innings, including multiple runs in the second, fourth and eighth.

What Wheeler, Backhus and righty Seth Johnson couldn’t get done in the early and middle innings, the Phillies’ bats made up for. In two games against Skenes this year, they’ve now tagged him for 12 earned runs.

“(Skenes’) stuff is good,” Mattingly said. “Pretty much every time out, he’s gonna have good stuff. But we just kind of kept going. Our club’s not really afraid of anybody. It doesn’t matter who the guy is. We’ve got guys who have had success in their careers.”

Trea Turner stayed hot at the plate, going 2-for-5 with a home run and three RBIs. Brandon Marsh went 2-for-4 with a homer, walk and two runs. Gabriel Rincones Jr. was 2-for-3 with a walk and two runs. Alec Bohm homered and scored twice, and Bryce Harper added a two-run double.

“This kind of game tonight, you never really felt like you had enough (runs),” Mattingly said. “So to continue to score was huge. … A lot of good things — obviously Trea continues to roll, Harp big hit, Rincones was on all night, Bohm, Marsh. … We just kept scoring.”

After a terrible start this season, Turner’s bat has finally come to life over the past two weeks. In his last 14 games, he’s slashing .350/.381/.948 with 10 RBIs and 18 runs scored. He’s helping provide the right-handed punch they’ve needed.

“I’m not missing mistakes,” Turner said. “I feel like I’m getting in some better counts. I feel like I’m driving off-speed pitches a little bit better and then just kind of using the whole field, really. I feel good again.

“I felt like the two-strike swing came around in Washington, and then I felt like I could mess around and make some adjustments and fall back on that and rely on that. I’ve gotten a lot of two-strike hits in the last couple weeks. That was a big thing for me, so now I can kind of get in (deeper) counts and do some different things. Today I abandoned the leg kick after the first at-bat — felt like I was flying open a little bit — and made a good adjustment.”

Turner said a key to the Phillies’ success is the entire lineup getting involved and picking up the pitching staff.

“I feel like recently, we kind of keep adding (runs),” Turner said. “That’s the difference in the games. You don’t know what’s going to happen. You gotta keep adding on when you can. … “Maybe a few weeks ago, we wouldn’t do that. I felt like everybody did their job today.

“It’s been an extended period of time now where we’ve been putting up a lot more runs, been a lot more dangerous. It’s more than just Kyle (Schwarber), Bryce and Marsh kind of doing everything. It’s nice to have the other six guys contributing in the lineup. Just keep rolling, keep doing what we’re doing and keep stacking up wins.”

The Phillies (49-38) remained 2½ games behind the NL East-leading Atlanta Braves (50-34) who beat St. Louis 5-1 on Wednesday.

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Delaware County Daily Times: https://tinyurl.com/2h33mbxx

Originally published June 18, 2026

PHILADELPHIA — Phillies right fielder Adolis Garcia will undergo right latissimus dorsi repair surgery on Wednesday and is officially out for the season.

The lat muscles connect the arms to the spine, pelvis and upper ribs. Garcia injured himself while making a throw home June 10 against the Toronto Blue Jays.

Dr. Anthony Romeo in Chicago will perform the surgery, which usually requires six to eight months of recovery. The Phillies expect Garcia to be ready for the start of the 2027 season — though he signed just a one-year deal here in December.

Garcia, 33, was slashing .195/.270/.329 with seven home runs and 21 RBIs while playing an outstanding outfield. His bat was just beginning to heat up before he got hurt.

In other action, the Phillies recalled right-handed pitcher Seth Johnson and selected the contract of right-hander Bryse Wilson, both from Triple-A Lehigh Valley, on Thursday after demoting 23-year-old rookie righty Andrew Painter a day earlier.

To make room on the 26-man roster, they also optioned left-hander Tanner Banks to Lehigh Valley.

“We think the best thing for (Painter) is to kind of get reset, to work on some things and let their pitching people talk with him,” Phillies president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski said Thursday. “He’s been working on it now, and they tell me he’s been doing very well on the sides. It hasn’t carried over to a game yet.

“It’s difficult, but we’ve sent many good pitchers down, many good players down. They go down and they get reset and they come back and do well. That’s what our goals are and it’s what we think will happen.”

The 6-foot-7, 215-pound Painter was 1-8 with a 7.06 ERA with the Phils. In Wednesday’s series finale against Miami, he was rocked for six earned runs in two innings.

“He had major, major Tommy John surgery (in 2023), so last year he was coming back off that,” Dombrowski said. “Sometimes it takes a while to come back and be quite as effective. His stuff is — his fastball is upper 90s, he’s got three good breaking balls, he’s got a split. He’ll command his pitches better when he gets his delivery refined. So we think he’s going to be a very good big-league pitcher.”

Johnson, 27, joins the Phillies for the third time this season. In his last stint, which included outings on April 19 and 20, he made two scoreless appearances with three strikeouts and a walk in two innings of work.

Johnson has pitched in 24 games of relief for Lehigh Valley this season and posted a 1.33 ERA with 40 strikeouts, 10 walks and a 1.00 WHIP. Opponents are batting .172 against him, and he has converted all his save opportunities.

Among International League pitchers with at least 25 innings pitched this year, Johnson ranks sixth in both ERA and WHIP.

Wilson, 28, has pitched in 12 games (11 starts) for the IronPigs this year and has a 6.29 ERA with 58 strikeouts and 21 walks. He has not allowed a run in his last three starts dating back to May 28 and currently has a 13.0-inning scoreless streak.

Wilson has gone 20-23 with a 4.82 ERA, 333 strikeouts and 151 walks in 163 career major league appearances (57 starts) with the Atlanta Braves (2018-21), Pittsburgh Pirates (2021-22), Milwaukee Brewers (2023-24) and Chicago White Sox (2025). He signed with the Phillies as a minor league free agent in December and was a non-roster invitee to MLB spring training.

Banks, 34, has pitched in 26 games (one start) for the Phillies this season and has a 5.86 ERA with 31 strikeouts and 13 walks. He has pitched in 117 career games for the Phillies, posting a 3.85 ERA with 115 strikeouts, 35 walks and a 1.28 WHIP.

Notes

● With Thursday’s 6-4 loss to the Mets, the Phillies have dropped two straight.

● Trea Turner (right calf contusion) eventually left the game after being hit by a pitch. He is day-to-day.

● Reliever Jose Alvarado gave up three earned runs. His ERA is now up to 6.58.

● Bryce Harper is hitting .188 in his last 15 games.

● Actor Joe Piscopo and Hall of Fame third basemen Mike Schmidt and George Brett threw out the first pitches. Schmidt and Brett, in town for one of Schmidt’s charities, later joined Tom McCarthy and John Kruk in the TV booth. Mets broadcaster and former first baseman Keith Hernandez briefly stopped by to say hello to all of them.

● The Phillies resume the Mets series Saturday at Citizens Bank Park after Friday’s off day for the World Cup match between Brazil and Haiti across the street.

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Delaware County Daily Times: https://tinyurl.com/5smrj6vs

Originally published June 17, 2026

PHILADELPHIA — As Phillies bats bopped baseballs out of the ballpark like it was BP — drilling three dingers into the dusk and posting seven runs in the first two innings — left-hander Jesús Luzardo was as steady as can be.

Luzardo entered with a dismal home record of 1-4 and a 7.34 ERA. He previously joked it was the polarizing City Connect unis that were the cause of all his troubles at Citizens Bank Park, but the Phillies were in their traditional fire-engine red pinstripes Tuesday during an 8-2 romp over the Miami Marlins. And Luzardo was magnificent.

He scattered five hits over seven innings, striking out nine while walking a pair. He didn’t surrender a hit through the first four frames

The two-run homer he gave up to Esteury Ruiz came in the seventh, his final inning of work. Luzardo was annoyed with himself, but the game was comfortably in hand.

“After the first (inning), I feel like I really found a groove getting back in the zone,” said Luzardo, who issued a walk to start the game. “Kind of lost it at the beginning and then made some adjustments and I felt way better.”

Of the 106 pitches Luzardo threw, 73 were strikes. He worked in and out of a bases-loaded jam in the fifth and otherwise cruised.

“Jesús was good, 21 of 28 first-pitch strikes,” manager Don Mattingly said. “We’re able to score early, and him throwing zeroes and we score again.”

Marlins right-handed starter Tyler Phillips (1-2) came in boasting a 1.86 ERA. It ballooned to 3.10 by the time he departed. Brandon Marsh, Alec Bohm and Kyle Schwarber all went deep. Bryson Stott tripled.

“I think when our offense is rolling like that, it gives the pitchers a little more freedom to attack the zone,” Luzardo (6-4, 4.20 ERA, 1.31 WHIP) said.

“It feels great (to perform well at home),” said Luzardo, who was in rhythm and dealing his changeup. “Obviously, I know I can do it. I just really think it’s a coincidence. It’s unfortunate — no one wants to pitch badly, especially at home — but the routine stays the same and today I felt really good. So hopefully (I’ll) keep building on that.”

Brandon Marsh hit leadoff and finished 1-for-3 with an opposite-field, two-run homer, a walk, a stolen base and two runs scored. He has been one of the leading hitters in baseball since May of last year (.314/.375/.489) and he’s a leading outfield vote-getter to start the All-Star Game at Citizens Bank Park on July 14.

“I haven’t really looked at it, to be honest with you,” Marsh said of the voting. “I’m really just trying to enjoy now and just take it day-by-day and see where it all falls out at the end.”

The Phillies placed right-handed reliever Brad Keller on the 15-day injured list, retroactive to June 14, with right forearm tendinitis. They recalled righty Max Lazar from Triple-A Lehigh Valley to fill his spot on the big-league roster.

Keller, 30, has made 31 appearances for the Phillies this season and is 2-1 with a 4.15 ERA, 31 strikeouts and 12 walks. He has converted three of his four save opportunities.

“We feel good about him, and we’re looking more at the long game with him and making sure he’s going to be available as we go forward,” Mattingly said. “We always do (imaging). Just probably inflammation and stuff like that. It is something we know has been nagging. He’s been a little hesitant talking to us about it, but we don’t need any heroes right now.”

Keller has held opposing hitters to an average exit velocity of 85.9 mph and a 32.6% hard-hit rate, which rank in the 94th and 83rd percentile, respectively, among major league pitchers this year.

Lazar, 27, has pitched in 15 games across three levels of the Phillies system this season, including 11 in rehab assignments. He has a combined 3.93 ERA with 16 strikeouts and six walks. The 6-foot-2 right-hander was reinstated from the 60-day injured list on May 30.

Lazar made 36 relief appearances for the Phillies last season and was 1-1 with a 4.79 ERA and one save.

NOTES: The Phillies improved to 31-14 under Mattingly, including winning 11 of 15 series. … Schwarber played first base while Bryce Harper was DH. … Trea Turner had the night off after being hit by a pitch on his right wrist the previous game. X-rays were negative. … The Phillies’ City Connect uniforms (dark blue, light blue, black, yellow trim, street-gang-style font reading “Philly”) will be replaced with an entirely new design in 2027.

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Delaware County Daily Times: https://tinyurl.com/29tnuy87

Originally published June 10, 2026

PHILADELPHIA — As the Eagles wrapped up minicamp ahead of their summer break, Jalen Hurts put to bed some lingering questions.

He talked about receiver A.J. Brown’s departure for New England and about the ESPN story from April 1 that portrayed him as resistant to change. And he flatly denied a key detail from the story about the failed fourth-down play that ended Philadelphia’s season.

The quarterback didn’t dodge any of it.

Brown recently said he and Hurts were no longer as close as they once were, though he added there was no animosity between them. Hurts declined to dispute Brown’s view.

“I’m not in the place to challenge anyone’s perspective on anything,” Hurts said Wednesday. “Seemingly so, it was. That’s where I am. I’ve always been focused on the collective. I’ve always put my energy towards that. As a leader, I’ve always put an onus on giving maximum effort to achieve the shared mission we have on the team.”

Asked whether he was disappointed by how Brown’s Eagles tenure ended, Hurts instead reflected on what they accomplished together.

“You come into it and you have a sense of pride with how it began, and definitely what we were able to accomplish,” Hurts said. “Nothing can take that away. For the great things that we did, now it’s time to focus on achieving great things with this iteration of the team.”

Regarding the ESPN story:

“I’ve never really asked for an opportunity to respond to anything,” he said. “So just let it live and go do my job.”

When pressed, the quarterback rejected the notion that he is resistant to change, a theme that surfaced in that story and previous reporting during the season.

“I’m always open to growth. I’m always open to improving,” Hurts said. “I think a lot of it is, what do we put our time on task? What are we exhausting? What are we repping? And so, I’m looking forward to seeing how training camp goes so we can just continue to build on the foundation that we’re beginning to lay down.”

Asked whether he called for the infamous four-verticals concept on the Eagles’ final offensive snap in the wild-card loss to the San Francisco 49ers, Hurts offered a two-word answer.

“Nah. No.”

Coach Nick Sirianni defended Hurts when asked about the scrutiny surrounding his quarterback.

“I think Jalen is consistent. Very, very consistent,” Sirianni said. “One thing I know Jalen does is stay locked into the moment and things that he can control.”

Carter extension watch

Defensive tackle Jalen Carter again participated in individual work but did not take part in team drills.

When asked whether Carter’s status was related to health or ongoing contract discussions, Sirianni declined to elaborate.

“I’m sorry, I’m not going to get into all those different things,” Sirianni said.

Carter, 25, is entering his fourth season. The Eagles picked up his fifth-year option, but he’s at a time in his career when elite defensive tackles often receive lucrative extensions, making his workload one of the more closely watched storylines entering training camp.

The team and Carter’s agent, Drew Rosenhaus, are reportedly negotiating a new deal.

Jurgens: Line trending in right direction

Center Cam Jurgens, who traveled to Medellin, Colombia, for stem-cell treatment in February, said he and the rest of the offensive line are feeling healthy. The group continues adjusting to new terminology and new techniques under offensive coordinator Sean Mannion and O-line coach Chris Kuper, but health is a primary focus.

“After the Super Bowl (from the 2024 season), getting back surgery, you don’t really get an offseason,” a jovial Jurgens said. “You’re just rehabbing and you’re going right into the next season. … You’re trying to get through things, but it’s so nice to have a full offseason like this year.

“(Stem-cell therapy) is a great option for us. … I’m going to do everything I can to get my body right. I’ve talked to a lot of guys around the league, and so many people have used stem cells. I’ve noticed such a good change since I’ve been down there.”

The treatments are meant to help with surgery recovery, spinal disc degeneration, torn ligaments and joint damage.

NOTES: Wide receiver DeVonta Smith (personal reasons) was not present for Wednesday’s practice. … Sirianni said Andy Dalton and Tanner McKee will continue rotating as the No. 2 quarterback. McKee was QB2 Wednesday, with Dalton on the third team. … Rookie tight end Eli Stowers continues to impress. Sirianni called him “an extremely, extremely intelligent football player.” … Cornerback Riq Woolen remained one of the most noticeable defenders during minicamp and continued to receive extensive first-team work opposite Quinyon Mitchell. … The Eagles released Za’Darius Smith from the reserve-retired list and added veteran defensive end A.J. Epenesa as they continue reshaping the back end of the roster. … Training camp starts in late July, in approximately six weeks on a date to be announced.

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PHILADELPHIA — Sean Mannion, the Eagles’ new offensive coordinator, has everybody’s attention at OTAs, including All-Pro left tackle Jordan Mailata.

“Sean is an evil genius,” Mailata said Tuesday. “That is my first impression. He just knows ball.

“If I were to lock the three smartest people in the facility in one room, Sean would be there, and I think Sean will just be (there) himself. It would just be Sean in that room. That’s how smart he is.”

Mailata was not alone. Earlier in organized team activities, Jalen Hurts called the work “a really good process” and said Mannion has been “very clear” and “very intentional” while installing a new offense built on timing, motion, under-center work and more play-action.

“It’s exciting to be able to learn a new brand of football,” Hurts said.

Mannion, 34, arrived from Green Bay with roots in the modernized West Coast system. Running back Saquon Barkley has operated from deeper alignments. The offensive line has been drilling more zone concepts. And despite the Eagles’ revolving door of OCs the last several years, there’s genuine enthusiasm about Mannion.

“He’s a wizard,” Mailata said. “And I’m super excited, as the year goes on, we get to display what is in the beautiful mind of his.”

Another major offensive change is simpler: A.J. Brown is gone.

The Eagles traded Brown to the New England Patriots on Monday for a 2028 first-round pick and the better of New England’s two fifth-round picks in 2027. Brown leaves after four seasons, 339 catches, 5,034 yards, 32 touchdowns, two Super Bowl trips and one Lombardi Trophy.

He also leaves after months of noise.

Mailata did not dance around it.

“I think this is more of a — it sounds terrible — but like, thank God it’s over,” Mailata said. “It was a slow pain of just, is he in, is he out? We didn’t really know, and that really wasn’t our focus as a team, especially on offense.”

The Eagles now turn to DeVonta Smith, rookie first-round pick Makai Lemon from USC, second-round tight end Eli Stowers out of Vanderbilt, and free agents Hollywood Brown, Dontayvion Wicks and Elijah Moore.

Plus, for at least one more year, they have veteran tight end Dallas Goedert — which could lead to some interesting packages featuring both Goedert and Stowers on the field together.

“I mean, just the relationship we had, the brotherhood and things like that,” Smith said about the difficulty of Brown’s departure. “We had a great time here. Business is business.

“I’m just going out there and do my job,” Smith added, referencing becoming the No. 1 receiver. “Regardless, however you want to look at it, one, two, three, four. End of the day, we all have jobs, and I’ve got to go out there and do it. I’m going to do the same thing I’ve been doing.”

General manager Howie Roseman said the deal was about the present and the future.

“We wouldn’t have done this trade if there wasn’t a first-round-pick-plus included,” Roseman said.

The Eagles also gained cap and cash relief by waiting until after June 1. Roseman said Brown wanted a fresh start and the Eagles wanted flexibility.

“It was a win-win situation based on where he was and how he felt,” Roseman said. “There’s no doubt that A.J. Brown was a huge, huge part of our football team, a great player for us, and that loss will have to be picked up by more than just one player.”

NOTES: WR Lemon was sidelined with a hamstring injury. He is expected to be ready for training camp in July. … WR Brown, who grew up rooting for the Patriots, called arriving in New England “heaven,” reminiscent of Scott Rolen calling St. Louis “baseball heaven” after his departure from the Phillies in 2002. … Andy Dalton took snaps at QB2 over Tanner McKee on Tuesday. … EDGE Jonathan Greenard (shoulder surgery), acquired in a trade with Minnesota during the NFL draft, participated on a limited basis. … Mandatory minicamp is next Tuesday and Wednesday.

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From The Morning Call: https://tinyurl.com/ynha7jmb

PHILADELPHIA — The Eagles traded wide receiver A.J. Brown to the New England Patriots on Monday, ending one of the most productive stretches by a receiver in franchise history.

Brown, occasionally described as mercurial, arrived from the Tennessee Titans in 2022 and quickly became the centerpiece of the passing game, helping the Eagles reach two Super Bowls and win one.

But he always wanted more. He wanted to win, of course, but he wanted to be great in the process. After the Eagles dominated Super Bowl LIX, Brown posted on Instagram:

“After a few days, I’ve had time to reflect on being a champion. I tried to feel how everyone made it seem to be a champion, and unfortunately it was short-lived. Two days, in fact. I’ve never been a champion at the highest level before, but I thought my hard work would be justified by winning it all. It wasn’t.

“My thrill for this game comes when I dominate. It’s the hunt that does it for me. It’s when the DB drops his head and surrenders because he can’t (expletive) with me, the intense battles, early mornings, late nights, sacrifices. I love putting a smile on people’s faces, don’t get me wrong. But it just wasn’t what I thought it would be. It’s the journey that I love the most. Back to work”

These were Brown’s five defining moments as an Eagle:

1. Breaking the franchise receiving record (2022)

In his first season with the Eagles, Brown caught 88 passes for 1,496 yards and 11 touchdowns. The yardage total broke Mike Quick’s franchise record and announced Brown’s arrival as one of the NFL’s elite receivers.

2. A monster Eagles debut (Sept. 11, 2022)

Brown introduced himself to Philadelphia by catching 10 passes for 155 yards in a season-opening victory over the Detroit Lions. It remains one of the best debuts by any player in team history.

3. Dominating the Super Bowl stage (Super Bowl LVII)

The Eagles lost to the Chiefs in the 2022-23 Super Bowl, but Brown was spectacular. He caught six passes for 96 yards and a touchdown, including a 45-yard scoring strike from Jalen Hurts.

4. Making NFL history (2023)

Brown became the first player in league history to record six consecutive games with at least 125 receiving yards. During that stretch, he looked virtually unstoppable and carried the Eagles’ passing attack.

5. Helping bring home a championship (2024 season)

Brown’s legacy was cemented when the Eagles captured Super Bowl LIX. He finished the title game with three catches for 43 yards and a touchdown as Philadelphia defeated Kansas City 40-22. He had some highlight games along the way, despite running back Saquon Barkley’s record-setting 2,000-yard campaign capturing most of the headlines.

Brown leaves Philadelphia with four consecutive 1,000-yard seasons, multiple Pro Bowl selections and a Super Bowl ring. Few receivers have made such an impact here in a shorter period of time.

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PHILADELPHIA — The A.J. Brown era is over.

The Eagles traded their star wide receiver to the New England Patriots on Monday, ending a four-year run that included record-setting production, a Super Bowl championship and some of the biggest moments in franchise history.

Philadelphia received a 2028 first-round draft pick and a 2027 fifth-round pick in return, the team confirmed.

The move closes the book on one of the most impactful acquisitions of the Howie Roseman era.

Brown arrived during the 2022 NFL Draft after the Eagles acquired him from the Tennessee Titans and immediately signed him to a long-term extension. Roseman called Brown “an elite player” at the time. Brown quickly proved him right.

In his first season in Philadelphia, Brown set a franchise record with 1,496 receiving yards and helped lead the Eagles to Super Bowl LVII. A year later, he authored one of the greatest stretches by any receiver in NFL history, becoming the first player ever to record six straight games with at least 125 receiving yards.

His biggest accomplishment came during the Eagles’ Super Bowl LIX championship season. Brown remained the focal point of the passing game and helped deliver the franchise’s second Lombardi Trophy.

By the time he left, Brown had produced four consecutive 1,000-yard seasons in Philadelphia. He earned three Pro Bowl selections and three second-team All-Pro honors while becoming one of the league’s most feared receivers.

He also was a leader in the community, often contributing to charities and even buying people groceries in underprivileged neighborhoods.

Brown never hid his ambitions on the football field.

“I want to be the greatest,” he repeatedly said, including this offseason and during training camp last July.

That mindset helped make him one of the defining players of the Eagles’ recent championship window. Sirianni often praised Brown’s impact, once saying, “He changes games.”

But a failure to get him the ball caused him to speak out. But contrary to outside opinion, he was not a locker-room cancer. He was well-liked by teammates and voted a co-captain. Last November, he called out problems with the offense that most players and coaches wouldn’t mention publicly.

“It’s not just totally about my situation,” Brown said. “Obviously I want to win too. I think if we’re really focused on winning and doing our job, we can’t just slapping a Band-Aid over the defense doing their job and getting us out of trouble. At what point are we gonna pick up our slack as an offense?

“Week after week, we’re not doing our job on offense. … You can’t just expect to win at the end of the year.”

Brown’s departure had seemed inevitable for months.

Trade rumors have swirled throughout the offseason. The Patriots, coached by former Titans coach Mike Vrabel, emerged as the most frequently mentioned destination. Once the calendar flipped to June 1 — the date when NFL teams could defer bonuses and other guaranteed money — the Eagles pulled the trigger. The financial hurdles that had complicated a deal became easier for the Eagles to manage as a $20 million salary cap hit turned to $10 million.

Now the focus shifts to what comes next.

The Eagles still have DeVonta Smith, Dallas Goedert and offseason addition Marquise “Hollywood” Brown. They also have extra draft capital to continue reshaping an offense that is undergoing significant changes under new coordinator Sean Mannion.

But replacing A.J. Brown will not be easy.

He leaves Philadelphia as one of the most productive receivers in franchise history. More than that, he leaves behind a highlight reel that includes a franchise receiving record, a historic six-game streak, multiple playoff runs and a Super Bowl championship.

For four seasons, Brown helped define the Eagles’ offense.

He often spoke about greatness. In Philadelphia, he found much of it.

He rewrote the Eagles’ record book. He helped take the franchise to two Super Bowls. He brought home a Lombardi Trophy.

Now he leaves with four straight 1,000-yard seasons, three Pro Bowls, three All-Pro selections and a place among the best receivers ever to wear midnight green.

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Delaware County Daily Times: https://tinyurl.com/y3fbkbra

PHILADELPHIA — With the “Top Gun” theme song blaring over the speakers inside the Eagles’ practice bubble, running back Saquon Barkley took a QB handoff from under center, found an opening and burst through the “danger zone” to the open field during a seven-on-seven drill at voluntary OTAs.

Once he broke through, the play was over. But Barkley kept running all the way to the end zone, semi-dragging a couple of defenders.

No one was in full pads, just shells, but Barkley likes to go all-out on every play.

The Eagles arrived at organized team activities this week with a new offensive coordinator, new terminology and new ideas.

Sean Mannion’s offense is still in its infancy, but the early emphasis has been clear: Build around what already works, then layer in new concepts.

That approach has drawn praise from head coach Nick Sirianni, quarterback Jalen Hurts and Barkley as the Eagles continue their spring work.

“Sean’s done an awesome job thus far,” Sirianni said Wednesday. “I really like the command that he has in front of the room and the conviction that he has in front of the room and the knowledge that he has in front of the room.”

The challenge facing Mannion is unique.

The Eagles are not rebuilding an offense. They are trying to evolve one that has been among the NFL’s most productive units during Hurts’ tenure, but which has stalled and failed to unlock its full potential. That means introducing fresh ideas without losing the foundation that helped deliver a Super Bowl title.

Mannion brings a modern iteration of the West Coast offense. During drills at Jefferson Health Training Complex on Wednesday, there was lots of under-center, lots of pre-snap motion, lots quick slants and crossing routes.

Hurts, now entering his sixth NFL season, has become familiar with change. Mannion is the fifth offensive coordinator he has worked with since arriving in Philadelphia, but the quarterback said he has embraced the opportunity to learn a different approach.

“It’s exciting to be able to learn a new brand of football,” Hurts said. “Understanding the philosophy behind it, understanding why we’re doing things and building those habits from the ground up.”

Hurts’ vibe felt sincere. He didn’t seem like he was just trying to say the right things. He seemed genuinely enthused and confident about Mannion and the new direction.

“One thing that’s really special about Jalen is just how consistent he is with his approach to getting better every single day,” Sirianni said. “Regardless of if we’re calling a concept one thing or if we’re calling a concept another thing or who the play caller is.”

Mannion’s objective is not to replace what has worked. During his introductory press conference last week, he described the offense as a blend of concepts Hurts already excels in and new wrinkles he hopes to add.

Some of those changes were visible Wednesday.

The under-center formations, expanded motion packages and additional outside-zone concepts are staples of the coaching tree that influenced Mannion. Barkley said the offense has already challenged him to think differently.

“It’s refreshing,” Barkley said. “I’ve never seen a system like this.”

For Barkley, the adjustment goes beyond memorizing a playbook. Running from under center changes the timing of a run, the footwork before the handoff and the way a back sees developing lanes.

“It’s definitely different,” Barkley said. “But I like it.”

The learning curve extends throughout the offense, from veteran stars to returning linemen working with a new position coach for the first time in their careers.

Sirianni repeatedly emphasized that the focus of OTAs is not on unveiling scheme. It is on mastering the details that make any offense function.

“You can run any scheme you want,” Sirianni said. “But if you can’t block, if you can’t catch, if you can’t protect the football, it doesn’t really matter.

“OTAs are for building a foundation.”

Along those lines is the developing relationship between Mannion and Hurts.

“Trust is built through hardships together,” Sirianni said. “Trust is built as you go through this with time spent together.”

The Eagles have nearly four months before they open the regular season. Training camp and preseason games will provide a clearer picture of what Mannion’s offense ultimately becomes.

For now, the goal is simpler: Install the system, sharpen the fundamentals and find the right balance between continuity and change. The Eagles believe they’re on their way.

Follow Christiaan DeFranco on X and Threads at @the_defranc.