Phillies starter Cristopher Sánchez had given up just six runs in his last 44 1/3 innings when he took the mound at Rate Field on Monday night. He had allowed only four runs over four starts in the entire month of July.

The Philadelphia Phillies could land a star closer on the trade market. If they're going to be aggressive, they could target the best name on the block.

The Phillies have already done some work to bolster their bullpen, signing veteran David Robertson to a contract for the remainder of the season. Robertson is expected to enter the fray in early August after a 15-day minor-league assignment.

The Phillies might have been watching their future on Monday night. Luis Robert Jr. hit a Cristopher Sánchez changeup just over the right-field wall at Rate Field for a two-run homer in the fourth inning of the Phillies’ 6-2 loss to the White Sox.

The New York Mets and Philadelphia Phillies' NL East rivalry heats up beyond standings as both target Luis Robert Jr. and key relievers, escalating their trade deadline battle.

The New York Mets are expected to be major buyers at the MLB trade deadline, but they could also move a roster piece or two, notably Starling Marte.

This story was excerpted from Todd Zolecki’s Phillies Beat newsletter. To read the full newsletter, click here. And subscribe to get it regularly in your inbox.

The Astros are out on Nolan Arenado trade talks as his declining stats, contract, and no-trade clause block another Houston pursuit.