Phillies News: Don Mattingly, Zack Wheeler, All-Star Weekend

CINCINNATI, OHIO - JULY 07: Kyle Schwarber #12 of the Philadelphia Phillies celebrates with teammate Bryce Harper #3 after hitting a two-run home run during the third inning of the baseball game against the Cincinnati Reds at Great American Ball Park on July 07, 2026 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Jeff Dean/Getty Images) | Getty Images Is it just me, or is it taking much longer than usual for all of the Home Run Derby participants to be announced? The contest is four days away and we still don’t know all eight players that will take the field Monday night. Maybe it’s because MLB is awaiting word from a pair of hometown sluggers…

class="wp-block-paragraph">On to the links.

Phillies News:Don Mattingly told ESPN’s Buster Olney that he is interested in managing the Phillies beyond this season. • >ICYMI, the Phillies activated Brad Keller off of the injured list yesterday and recalled Alan Rangel while placing Lou Trivino on the IL and optioning Seth Johnson to Triple-A. • >You’ve already heard from Zack Wheeler’s agent after his All-Star snub, now you can hear from the man himself after he tossed an angry gem. ($) • >While we’re on the subject, here’s an ode to a pitcher scorned. • >An inside look at the massive undertaking that the Citizens Bank Park clubhouse staff is in the midst of as they prepare the stadium for All-Star weekend. MLB News:Justin Verlander, shortly after being named the commissioner’s pick for an American League All-Star selection, announced that he intends to retire at the end of this season. • >We know at least two more participants in the Home Run Derby, as Jac Caglianone of the Royals and Willson Contreras of the Red Sox announced their participation. • >Domingo Acvedo, a right-hander pitching for the Rockies Triple-A affiliate, has tested positive for PEDs and was handed an 80-game suspension. • >The MLB single season strikeout record is once again in jeopardy, but the four players currently on pace to surpass it are not too concerned about the dubious honor. ($)