<\/p>\n
While the Philadelphia Phillies will have at least five All-Stars this season, Saturday\u2019s contest proved that their talent runs much deeper.<\/p>\n
The surging Phillies look for their ninth win in 12 games when they visit the Kansas City Royals in a Sunday matinee.<\/p>\n
Philadelphia learned Saturday afternoon that the National League All-Star team will include ace Cristopher Sanchez, closer Jhoan Duran, designated hitter Kyle Schwarber, first baseman Bryce Harper and outfielder Brandon Marsh.<\/p>\n
Right-hander Zack Wheeler could be in line for a spot on the team, as well, if any other NL starting pitchers miss the game due to injury.<\/p>\n
Meanwhile, in Saturday\u2019s series opener, the Phillies defeated the Royals 6-1 with non-All-Stars making the majority of the contributions to the team\u2019s latest victory.<\/p>\n
Jesus Luzardo allowed one run in six innings, while J.T. Realmuto, Gabriel Rincones Jr. and Alec Bohm homered in support of the left-hander.<\/p>\n
\u201cIf we\u2019re going to be any good, we need contributions up and down (the lineup),\u201d Philadelphia interim manager Don Mattingly said. \u201cIt can\u2019t always be (Harper) and (Schwarber) hitting homers and driving in a bunch of runs. It\u2019s gotta be the whole roster.\u201d<\/p>\n
Nick Loftin drove in the only run for Kansas City, which has lost eight of its last nine games. Right-hander Michael Wacha, one of two Royals All-Stars, allowed four runs in six innings.<\/p>\n
Kansas City shortstop Bobby Witt Jr., the team\u2019s other representative for the Midsummer Classic, went 0-for-4 and is 1-for-12 in his last three games.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s an honor,\u201d Witt said after learning that he\u2019ll be the starting shortstop for the American League. \u201cBeing able to get this opportunity. Just thankful for all the fans and everyone who voted.\u201d<\/p>\n
In Sunday\u2019s affair, Philadelphia will give the ball to Aaron Nola (3-5, 6.04 ERA), who is coming off another tough outing in the midst of a difficult season. The veteran right-hander allowed eight runs in 4 1\/3 innings in Monday\u2019s 11-7 home loss to the Pittsburgh Pirates, while giving up two homers for the fourth straight start.<\/p>\n
\u201cI definitely haven\u2019t really had a stretch like this ever in my career,\u201d Nola said. \u201cI mean, over my career, I feel like I\u2019ve been kind of an innings eater since I\u2019ve been with the Phillies. It\u2019s been tough, you know? I mean, I haven\u2019t really stepped foot in the sixth inning too much this year. It\u2019s a little bit different, but I\u2019ve got to keep working. I believe I can get back to that point.\u201d<\/p>\n
Nola has made three previous starts against the Royals, losing all three while posting an 8.82 ERA. He gave up six runs in six innings against Kansas City in a 10-3 loss last September.<\/p>\n
The Royals will counter with rookie Luinder Avila (3-3, 5.40), who made two scoreless relief appearances against Philadelphia last season. The right-hander has made seven starts and nine relief appearances so far in 2026.<\/p>\n
Most recently, Avila surrendered four runs in four innings last Sunday in an eventual 5-4 victory over the host Chicago White Sox.<\/p>\n
\u201cWay too many pitches,\u201d Royals manager Matt Quatraro said. \u201cSome of it\u2019s unfortunate, but some of it is needing to execute early in the count.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u2013Field Level Media<\/p>\n