The Phillies resumed play this weekend and had a chance to change the narrative. It started out pretty bad.

They didn’t have J.T. Realmuto due to paternity leave, meaning Andrew Knapp would start Friday’s game. He went 1-for-4 with a fielding error as the Phils lost 4-0. People weren’t happy, even with Knapp staying on the roster after a poor game.

Saturday started out strong, with Bryce Harper’s cannon arm, Aaron Nola going six innings and allowing one run with nine strikeouts, and a 3-2 lead entering the ninth. With two outs, Hector Neris gave up a single to Anthony Rendon and a two-run homer to Juan Soto to blow yet another lead. In the bottom half of the inning with two outs and a man at first, Gabe Kapler sent out… Andrew Knapp, as his pinch hitter. He lined out, and the Phillies lost.

Sunday started out bad, with Tommy Hunter going on the injured list after a shutout seventh inning the game before. And on Ryan Howard retirement day, the Phillies were tied with the Nationals at three entering the ninth. That’s when Maikel Franco walked things off with a solo home run to win the game. The sweep was denied.

But there are still big concerns with the team, especially with the trade deadline coming up. Could Blue Jays pitcher Marcus Stroman be an option? I’d like that, but so do the Braves.

The Phillies start a four-game series with the Dodgers tonight at 7:05 PM on NBC Sports Philadelphia and ESPN. Zach Eflin faces Clayton Kershaw on the mound.

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The Roundup:


The Sixers introduced all their free agency acquisitions on Friday, and Kevin talked to Raul Neto about coming to Philadelphia.

Summer League ended on a good note, as the Sixers defeated the Raptors 108-102. Take that, Toronto.


For the second straight year, Doug Pederson won a golf bet. This time over former offensive coordinator and current Colts head coach Frank Reich. Reich will now make a donation to the Eagles Autism Challenge.

Mike Golic Jr. is excited to see the Eagles this season.


The Union fell to Real Salt Lake 4-0 over the weekend. They’ll host Chicago next Saturday.


In other sports news, Novak Djokovic won his fifth Wimbledon title in an instant classic against Roger Federer.

The NFL owners proposed an 18-game schedule, with a 16-game player limit.

The Angels threw a combined no-hitter as they honored former teammate Tyler Skaggs.

FanDuel Sportsbook is going to be launching very soon in Pennsylvania.


In the news, Amazon Prime Day is today (and tomorrow).

The remains of actor Charles Levin have reportedly been found.