With only a little over a week to go before next Tuesday's trade deadline, Paul and Matt take an updated look at the deal landscape (spoiler: Not a ton has changed), welcome back J.T., wonder if the division is all but over in light of the Braves' latest injuries (Whit Merrifield notwithstanding), and look ahead to the forthcoming six-man rotation.

Twin City Slickers

The Phillies dropped their final series of the first half (whatever), and now get to send nearly a third of their roster to Texas for All-Star festivities. With the break upon us, eyes begin to turn even more toward the trade deadline later this month. Paul and Matt talk about a surging Gregory Soto, the lack of a fit for Brent Rooker (and a better fit for others), and how the Phillies view the upcoming second half.

Pressure Rooker

It's a special All-Star edition of PT, as Paul and Matt talk about the team's seven(!) All-Star nods. Plus, Phillies pitcher Orion Kerkering drops by to chat about the clear and widening gaps between the upper minors and the Major Leagues, the mental and physical adjustments it takes to work on an unpredictable schedule, and the MVP of the bullpen hat-toss game.

Chatting With Phillies Pitcher Orion Kerkering

The Phillies, fortunate to escape last weekend's series with a split against the Marlins, now set their sights toward a far tougher stretch. Are these really "must-win" games against the Cubs, Braves, and Dodgers? How much comfort does the current division lead really afford the team? And how much clearer are the roster "problems" to be addressed this month? Paul and Matt dig in/

Zombie Lineup Blues

You know it's hot when the thermometer's reading is higher than Matt Strahm's ERA. The Phillies wrapped up a (literally) scorching homestand where they took 4 of 6 from NL West opponents — including a NLCS "rematch" with Arizona — and now swing out to Detroit before a weekend date with the Marlins. Paul and Matt review Cristopher Sanchez's new contract, Taijuan Walker's injury, and fondly remember the Steve Susdorf Game.

Motor City Memories

The quest for 100 wins and beyond had a minor setback this week in the Phils' first games back stateside since London, but they're really no worse for wear. Plus, the cavalry is coming in the form of Brandon Marsh (already returned) and Trea Turner (to be activated Monday). With a hot homestand on deck, the Phillies will look to right the ship and get back to their winning (more often) ways.

Baltimore Chopped

After giving Europe a taste of their particular brand of baseball in a characteristically weird two-game set, the Phillies return home from London for an American League road test against the Red Sox and Orioles. Paul and Matt look back on London — from David Dahl to Gregory Soto — and look ahead to the Injured List cavalry of Trea Turner and Brandon Marsh returning.

London Dahl-ing

Hoby Milner! Oliver Dunn! Matt Klentak! And some guy named Rhys Hoskins. The Brewers are in town for the Phillies' last regular set before this weekend's London Series, with a warm welcome expected for (at least) one of those guys. Paul and Matt recap the injury situation, lament Whit Merrifield a little, and look ahead to the Phils and Mets unleashing their particular brand of baseball on some unsuspecting Europeans.

B(r)at Slam

There is no greater equalizer, no force more compelling, no gravity more inescapable than that of some grating defeats out west. It is inevitable. The Phillies finish navigating their stretch out in The Forbidden Lands having finally lost a series and consecutive games. Now, with Ronald Acuña Jr.'s season ending prematurely, the onus is squarely on the Phillies to keep the Braves at arm's length.

Humbling Bumblings Out West

The Phillies continue to capitalize with the cards they're dealt, sweeping the Nationals over the weekend to reach a ludicrous 20 games over .500 before Memorial Day. Paul and Matt go over how the schedule has helped (but not caused) the hot start, the useful Kody Clemens, and a growing fascination with Cristopher Sánchez.

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Being a Phillies fan isn’t always easy. Paul Boye and Matt Gelb are here to help you talk it out.

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