Category: Sports Daily

Despite a lengthy weather delay during Philadelphia’s World Cup match between France and Iraq on Monday, that didn’t stop folks from soaking in the festivities — even if it meant riding out the storm for about two hours.

And once the game resumed, the performance on the pitch didn’t disappoint. France dominated Iraq, 3-0, with French star Kylian Mbappé tallying two goals.

French supporters filled the area. Even though the rain washed out the FIFA Fan Festival, fans of Les Bleus spread out to different corners of the city to watch their side. Before the storm, Gov. Josh Shapiro checked out the sights and sounds at Lemon Hill Park.

The city has certainly become soccer-infused this summer.

Center City bars were packed Monday afternoon hours before the game, banners hung from City Hall, and the Broad Street Line carried fans to Philadelphia Stadium (aka Lincoln Financial Field). But 50 years ago, soccer was still finding its footing in Philadelphia. Now, the city’s World Cup love affair shows how far we’ve come.

— Isabella DiAmore, @phillysport, sports.daily@inquirer.com.

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❓With the group stage wrapping up, what are your thoughts on the World Cup — and any early predictions? Email us back for a chance to be featured in the newsletter.

Preparing for draft night

Tonight is the first round of the NBA draft, and this year’s class is packed with top-level talent — AJ Dybantsa, Darryn Peterson, and Cam Boozer are all worthy of the No. 1 pick — as well as depth throughout the first round.

The Sixers will start the Mike Gansey era with the 22nd pick, and the new president of basketball operations plans to make their selection based on a combination of best player available and fit.

Also, Pennsauken’s Yaxel Lendeborg will likely be a first-round selection. The Michigan star had one of the most improbable rises to the draft. If it wasn’t for his mom, Yissel, Lendeborg would have never played Division I basketball, much less become a potential lottery pick.

What we’re …

👀 Watching: The 14-year-old Phillies fan who grabbed a Mets home run ball on Sunday and went viral for making a crafty swap.

🏒 Learning: The Flyers announced their 2026-27 preseason schedule. Let’s look at who they will play in the four-game slate.

🍻 Cheering: Jason Kelce’s sixth annual celebrity bartending fundraiser is returning to Ocean Drive in Sea Isle City this week.

📖 Reading: Alexander Command feels a connection with the Flyers. But will he be there at No. 21 on draft day?

⚽ Following: The next big question for the USMNT: Managing yellow cards in the World Cup group stage finale.

Assessing the NFC East

The Eagles have won two straight NFC East titles and five in the last 10 years. They have dominated the division in recent memory, and there’s no reason to think 2026 will be any different, right?

But things feel a little different. The Eagles had a transformative offseason, with the biggest change being that they no longer have their No. 1 weapon in wide receiver A.J. Brown.

All the while, almost all of their NFC East foes took steps forward, at least on paper.

Working alongside his dad

For years, Don and Preston Mattingly were “in the same industry, but you’re light years apart.”

So, they need not be reminded, especially on Father’s Day weekend, of the uniqueness as the first father-son manager-GM combination in baseball history.

Last week, Preston Mattingly joined Phillies Extra, The Inquirer’s baseball podcast, to discuss what it’s like to work with his dad, Andrew Painter’s demotion, the state of the Phillies’ farm system, and preparing for the trade deadline.

Ahead of Monday’s game against the Nationals, the Phillies called up Alan Rangel from triple-A Lehigh Valley, as a way to address their fifth spot in the rotation for the time being.

Save for Brandon Marsh’s solo home run, the Phillies’ offense struggled in a rain-delayed 4-1 loss to the Nationals in Monday’s series opener in Washington.

Villanova’s roster rebuild

Villanova’s offseason had a clear objective: “We wanted to make sure that we just didn’t get manhandled the way we got manhandled last year against the top teams,” said Kevin Willard.

Now with the roster set, the second-year coach believes he’s done just that, and with the signing of 7-foot-3 center Luigi Suigo, it has done more than raise the program’s expectations in the 2026-27 season.

🧠 Trivia time

Which of these sporting events recorded the largest attendance at Lincoln Financial Field?

A) Temple vs. Notre Dame on Oct. 31, 2015

B) Flyers vs. Penguins on Feb. 23, 2019, in the NHL Stadium Series

C) Mexico vs. Jamaica on July 26, 2015, in the CONCACAF Gold Cup final

D) Brazil vs. Haiti on June 19, 2026, in the group stage of the World Cup

What you’re saying about Bryce Harper

We asked: Where does Bryce Harper rank in your eyes among all-time Phillies players? Among your responses:

Harper is probably still behind Schmidt, Carlton and Robin Roberts for me. Harper needs more consistency when counts, i.e. the playoffs. — Tom G.

Behind Mike Schmidt, Steve Carlton and Rich Ashburn. — Jim G.

I think Bryce ranks among the best Phillies of my time. Too bad he had to spend 7 years with Washington before joining the Phillies for the last 8 years. He came as a right fielder but then after suffering the arm injury he almost flawlessly moved to 1st base. He does not match up with Mike Schmidt stat wise nor have the power of Dick Allen or Ryan Howard but definitely one of our best ever. I have of course never been in the clubhouse with our guys, but I have a feeling that he is the Phillies leader who has that unique gift of leadership. Who can ever forget his “Lets give them something to remember” to Kevin Long and then went up and smashed a home run to beat the Padres that sent the Phils to the World Series. — Everett S.

In my mind, Bryce Harper is close to the top of the all time Phillies players. He has a .279 lifetime batting average, will eventually hit over 500 home runs (most likely), and is a two time MVP, hall of fame credentials. He is currently the face of the franchise and will be for a few years to come. His #3 will no doubt be added to the Phillies wall of fame in the future. — Tom E.

We compiled today’s newsletter using reporting from Ryan Novozinsky, Kerith Gabriel, Matt Breen, Gina Mizell, Jeff Neiburg, Ariel Simpson, Jackie Spiegel, Gabriela Carroll, Lochlahn March, Scott Lauber, Owen Hewitt, and Jonathan Tannenwald.

By submitting your written, visual, and/or audio contributions, you agree to The Inquirer’s Terms of Use, including the grant of rights in Section 10.

Thanks for reading! Have yourself a wonderful Tuesday. Kerith will be back in your inbox tomorrow. — Bella

Bryce Harper did something on Saturday that the Phillies star has never done in his 15 year career.

He hit for the cycle — in only four at-bats during a 15-3 rout of the Mets.

It marked the 11th time a Phillies player hit for the cycle, but Harper ran for it, too. Overaggressive base running has always been part of Harper’s game, and it paid off.

To add on to the historical night, Kyle Schwarber crushed three homers and became the fourth Phillies player to homer twice in one inning.

Their performance was quite spectacular. The two stars put on a dueling talent show for the ages. It almost makes you wonder what Schwarber and Harper could have in store for an All-Star encore.

Neither will commit to the Home Run Derby until they know if they’ll be named to the All-Star team. But is there any doubt? If anything, they just gave everyone one heck of a preview.

The Phillies continued to rally against the Mets on Sunday night, behind what amounted to a 6-2 series finale.

— Isabella DiAmore, @phillysport, sports.daily@inquirer.com.

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❓Where does Bryce Harper rank in your eyes among all-time Phillies players? Email us back for a chance to be featured in the newsletter.

Who makes the Eagles roster?

The Eagles still are more than two months away from cutting their roster down to 53 players by the Aug. 30 deadline. A lot can change between now and then.

With that being said, we’re going to make our roster predictions throughout training camp, and since the Eagles just finished their offseason program and have some downtime, it’s worth taking a shot at the roster now.

Here is our initial 53-man roster prediction for the 2026 Eagles.

What we’re…

👏 Applauding: Makai Lemon attended an Open Door Abuse Awareness and Prevention football combine to inspire the youth.

🤔 Wondering: Why was Eagles’ Jalyx Hunt at Deptford High School’s graduation? To support the students who created his fan account.

👀 Seeing: Kahleah Copper debuted a custom “Norf Philly” Adidas Harden Vol. 10 player-exclusive sneaker during a game vs. the Las Vegas Aces.

📖 Reading: Behind the scenes at Pocono Raceway with 22-year-old South Jersey native Lavar Scott, who is one of three active Black drivers in NASCAR.

A sweet escape

As Philadelphia gets ready for another World Cup game today — France vs. Iraq at 5 p.m. — let’s look back on this past weekend’s festivities, where a true spectacle was on display.

For the past two games in the city, the attraction has been about the fans and the unbridled passion people have for a team, its players, and the nation they represent.

The World Cup came at the perfect time in an America that felt fractured into sides and factions — it’s the escape we didn’t know we needed, writes Kerith Gabriel.

And can the USMNT really win this World Cup? People are starting to ask after the U.S. team’s wins at the World Cup. The truth is the games to come will be much harder than the ones so far.

In case you missed, Delco was very much mentioned on the world’s biggest stage as Matt Freese and Auston Trusty helped the U.S. win two games in a World Cup group stage for the first time since 1930.

NHL draft countdown

The NHL draft is looming. Starting on Friday, the Flyers will select their next generation in the 2026 NHL draft.

They have 21st pick in the first round, and will be making their selctions in Atlantic City. So let’s roll the dice here with another mock draft — which is only two rounds since the Flyers traded away their third-rounder to Toronto.

Sports snapshot

• Changing landscape: Franklin Field played host to the New Balance Nationals this weekend, but that wasn’t the only major high school track meet happening.
• More than a title: La Salle’s ‘super special’ boys’ lacrosse season ended with its first state crown since 2019.

Marcus Hayes’ take…

It’s rare that, in the same week in June, you see three separate stories that pull back the curtain on the most secretive team in town, the Eagles. That’s what’s happened over the past few days.

And it brought some revelations: Just 16 months ago, the coach and the quarterback were celebrating a Super Bowl LIX win. Now, there are concerns about their futures and legacies, and the owner’s kid is in the middle of it, writes columnist Marcus Hayes.

We compiled today’s newsletter using reporting from Scott Lauber, Jeff Neiburg, Kerith Gabriel, Jonathan Tannenwald, Marcus Hayes, Jackie Spiegel, Devin Jackson, Conor Smith, Mia Messina, Ethan Kopleman, and Lauren Jones.

By submitting your written, visual, and/or audio contributions, you agree to The Inquirer’s Terms of Use, including the grant of rights in Section 10.

Happy Monday ☀️ — thanks for getting your morning started with me. I’ll be back in your inbox tomorrow. — Bella

Philadelphians are known to be superstitious — especially when it comes to sports.

And now, international soccer fans are feeling those effects. After Ecuadorian supporters fitted the Rocky statue with a yellow La Tri kit, they saw their team fall to the Ivory Coast, 1-0, in its FIFA World Cup group-stage opener on Sunday.

Yup, that’s the “Rocky curse.”

However, Brazilian fans didn’t plan on making the same mistake ahead of Brazil’s World Cup clash with Haiti at Philadelphia Stadium (also known as the Linc). Instead, they went to great lengths to make sure supporters did not put a Brazilian shirt on the iconic statue during a fan rally Thursday.

Brazil enters Friday night as favorites, but underdogs have a habit of rising to the occasion in Philly. Before that game, all eyes will be on the United States men’s national team, which will play Australia at 3 p.m. (Fox29, Telemundo 62). Check out how our writers predict this one to shake out.

And in Seattle, Team USA will be welcomed by an all-time World Cup home field advantage, and we should expect the atmosphere to be pretty rowdy.

— Isabella DiAmore, @phillysport, sports.daily@inquirer.com.

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What we’re …

🏟️ Learning: The UFC 330 fight card in Philly is starting to come together. Dana White announced two title fights will be on the line.

🏒 Celebrating: Tessa Janecke was among seven Penn State women’s ice hockey players to be selected in the PWHL draft.

🤔 Wondering: The Eagles used the week after mandatory minicamp to bolster their depth. What roster changes have been made?

📖 Reading: The South Jersey community is mourning 16-year-old wrestler Chase Sudano, who died in an electric bike crash in Burlington County.

Wasn’t close to signing

The Phillies may say they were on the verge of signing Bo Bichette as a free agent, but Bichette has a slightly different recollection.

The Mets jumped on José Alvarado in seventh inning of Phillies’ 6-4 loss in Thursday’s series opener. Alvarado allowed three runs in the inning.

And Andrew Painter was understanding when told that he was being sent down to triple A. The pitcher knew that the Phillies couldn’t keep him in the starting rotation. Not with a 1-8 record and 7.06 ERA.

Answering your questions

The 76ers’ offseason is about to ramp up, with the NBA draft next week and free agency beginning at 6 p.m. on June 30. These will mark the first opportunities for new president of basketball operations Mike Gansey to make roster decisions.

There is a lot to ponder and discuss — from biggest draft needs to Joel Embiid’s future — which means it’s the perfect time to answer reader questions.

Getting his shot

Santino Harwood wanted to play baseball at a Division I school but his chances were dimming when he started his senior year at Roman Catholic without a college scholarship offer.

Since the shortstop was 5-foot-11, he was overlooked by most college coaches. That was until he met an assistant at Delaware State, who offered Harwood a spot as a walk on.

Now, he’ll represent Delaware State at Citizens Bank Park days before the All-Star Game when he plays in the HBCU Swingman Classic on July 10.

Watch with the world!

Join Inquirer writer Jonathan Tannenwald and host Lisa Carlin, analyst for CBS Sports Golazo, as they dissect the matches, the moments, and more as Philly has its moment in soccer’s brightest spotlight. Watch our latest episode right here.

Our best sports 📸 of the week

Each Friday, Inquirer photo editors pick the best sports images from the last seven days. From World Cup celebrations — and agony — to Garrett Stubbs on the mound, here are the best Philly sports photos of the week.

Marcus Hayes’ take

Golf’s governing bodies declared Wednesday at the U.S. Open that the rollback of hyper-engineered golf balls would be rolled back itself. Any adjustment now will go into effect in 2030 instead of 2028.

The rollback is dead. It would take players months to adjust to a new ball, which is the most important piece of the myriad pieces of equipment they use. They will never agree to that, writes Marcus Hayes.

What you’re saying about MLB trade deadline

We asked: If you were Dave Dombrowski, what moves, if any, would you make and why? Among your responses:

Right now the Phillies do not look like they can be a serious threat to the Dodgers and other top NL teams. The team is aging and Dumbrowski needs to start rebuilding. Phillies having just sent Painter down really don’t have a whole lot to deal with, but I would start by trading Nola to a contender for a couple young promising pitchers. The team really has just about one more year after this one where Schwarber, Harper, and Realmuto will be productive. — Everett S.

Dombrowski has wasted the last few years and is still left needing most of an outfield, including a significant right-handed hitter, and now, a starting pitcher after allowing Suarez to go last year. One could argue that he also needs a middle infield that can hit. I like both Turner and Stott, but neither has lived up to his skills. Has Turner ever been worth what the Phillies paid for him? — Wayne H.

Phillies need an outfielder badly. Marsh is pretty good right now but I doubt that can last. Probably under. 280 at season end. Also a decent backup catcher who can hit over. 125 as age is catching up to JT a little. Pitching will be fine eventually. — Bob M.

I believe it is time to bring Mike Trout home.I don’t know if the Angels would even consider a trade but we absolutely should try. — Richard F.

We compiled today’s newsletter using reporting from Marcus Hayes, Kerith Gabriel, Matt Breen, Jonathan Tannenwald, Rob Tornoe, Gina Mizell, Ariel Simpson, Mia Messina, Ryan Novozinsky, Isabella DiAmore, Lochlahn March, Scott Lauber, Owen Hewitt, and The Inquirer’s photography staff.

By submitting your written, visual, and/or audio contributions, you agree to The Inquirer’s Terms of Use, including the grant of rights in Section 10.

Thanks for wrapping up the week with me. Enjoy the weekend and happy Father’s Day to all the dads out there. — Bella

The 76ers still have some work to do before the NBA playoffs.

If they win tonight against the Orlando Magic in the Play-In Tournament (7:30, Prime Video), they’ll move on as the Eastern Conference’s No. 7 seed and face the Boston Celtics in the first round.

But wins are not automatic, especially without former MVP Joel Embiid, who has not been around the team “at all” since his appendectomy.

But a loss to the Magic doesn’t end the Sixers’ chances of making the playoffs. They would have another shot against the Charlotte Hornets, who beat the Miami Heat in the 9-10 matchup on Tuesday night.

Curious what the media is saying about both scenarios? We’ve got you covered.

There’s been a lot to unpack with this year’s Sixers — from Embiid’s tale of two seasons as his health continued to limit him to Paul George serving a 25-game suspension for violating the NBA’s anti-drug policy. There also are positives that they’ll be leaning on tonight.

Those positives are in backcourt duo Tyrese Maxey and VJ Edgecombe, also known as “VJ Maxx.” It’s no secret that they have fueled the Sixers this season, and the team will go as far as the pair can lead them.

The duo also symbolize the core foundation that the franchise should build around in the future.

— Isabella DiAmore, @phillysport, sports.daily@inquirer.com.

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❓What is your prediction for the Sixers? Can they make it out of the first round? Email us back for a chance to be featured in the newsletter.

Roseman speaks out

Howie Roseman is usually aware of what’s being reported about the Eagles. So he has seen the articles in the aftermath of an early playoff exit that pointed some of the blame for the team’s offensive struggles at Jalen Hurts. The GM said it’s “unfair — but I also understand it’s what sells at this point.”

Roseman also was asked about A.J. Brown’s future with the Eagles, especially after the trade for Dontayvion Wicks, but his answer remained the same.

What we’re …

🏈 Learning: NFL reporter Dianna Russini resigned from The Athletic a week after photos of her with Patriots coach Mike Vrabel were published.

🏒 Reliving: The Flyers clinching their first playoff berth since 2020 after beating the Carolina Hurricanes in a 3-2 shootout on Monday.

🥊 Preparing: UFC is returning to Philadelphia in August for UFC 330, its first major championship event in the city in 15 years.

📖 Reading: A Camden High graduate’s journey from playing five years of college football to having NFL aspirations.

Bullpen shuffle

The Phillies’ bullpen shuffling continues, with the team optioning righty Seth Johnson and recalling righty Chase Shugart from triple-A Lehigh Valley.

Recalling Shugart gives the bullpen a fresh arm. Rob Thomson got a look at the 29-year-old in spring training and says “I don’t think any situation is going to scare him a lot.”

After jumping out to a 3-0 lead against the Cubs, a disastrous sixth inning from Tim Mayza doomed the Phillies in a 10-4 loss. The Phillies will try to avoid losing three consecutive series on Wednesday.

‘A little bit of belief’

They did it. The Flyers are back in the playoffs for the first time in six seasons. “It’s been a lot of years,” coach Rick Tocchet said Monday.

The other Philly teams have gotten the chance to experience what a true playoff atmosphere looks like over the last few seasons. Now it’s the Flyers’ turn to experience a playoff atmosphere in Philly.

And as the season wrapped up on Tuesday, the Flyers’ youngsters shined in a 4-2 win over the Montreal Canadiens. The win gave the Flyers 43 on the season, their most since the 2011-12 season.

Fan gets Flyer’d up

Willie Aston, 50, of Kutztown has been a Flyers fan since the 1990s, and with the team making the playoffs for the first time since 2020, he got a portrait of Gritty tattooed on the top of his head.

“Everybody so far has loved [my Gritty tattoo]. … A lot of people like the added touch of the eyes and the blood and the fangs.”

Mike Sielski’s take

Since becoming the Flyers’ president in 2023, Keith Jones has never watched his team compete in a shootout. On Monday night, he was in the upper reaches of Xfinity Mobile Arena, pacing in a hallway just outside the booth where he used to call games.

Many rolled their eyes when the Flyers hired a broadcaster as team president. Three years later, Jones has the team in the playoffs and trending upward. He has shown he shouldn’t be underestimated, writes columnist Mike Sielski.

🧠 Trivia time answer

Who holds the Sixers record for most points in a playoff game with 55?

B) Allen Iverson in Game 1 of the 2003 Eastern Conference first round — Joey M. was first with the correct answer.

What you’re saying about your favorite venue

We asked: What is your favorite Philly sports venue of all time? Among your response:

Way too many to choose from. Shibe Park a/k/a Connie Mack Stadium, Municipal stadium, the Palestra, Franklin Field, the Arena at 45th & Market St, the original Spectrum, Xfinity Mobile, the Vet, Citizens Bank Park, Lincoln Financial Field, Olney High School Gymnasium, the Convention Hall, Mann Music Center, Freedom Mortgage Pavilion. Going on 87 and been to them all. I think my all time favorite was a vacant lot at the Harold B Robinson auto store at Broad and 67th Ave. in West Oak Lane where we played soft ball games with our dad’s, uncles and friends almost every Sunday morning in the ‘40’s and ‘50’s. — Ronald R.

The Palestra hands-down! Loved watching Big 5 college and PIAA triple header basketball playoff games in the mid-70’s. Bristol High School would have 4 fan buses caravan to West Philly to support the Warriors during their state championship run. Later as a Temple Owl, we attended many Big 5 double headers with the streamers and signs from the student section. — Bob C.

For me it was Shibe Park later Connie Mack Stadium. I saw my very first MLB game there in 1948 sitting in the left field bleachers with the Springfield Delco AA. Saw Connie Mack and his Athletics there just once, and saw my first Eagles game there as well. Very special too because over the years I got to take all four of my younger brothers there to see the Phillies and or Eagles. Many fond memories. — Everett S.

Connie Mack Stadium was all about baseball (not “entertainment” distractions) where the grass was actually a beautiful green compared to my black and white TV and of course, the massive Ballantine Beer Scoreboard along with box and reserve seats not wide enough for today’s human. — Mike P.

I have to say that both the palestra and Franklin Field were my favorite venues. Watching the Eagles beat Green Bay on 12/26/60 was a true highlight and all of the Big 5 games at the Palestra with the roll-out signs and the intensity in the stands there was never dull moment in the hallowed halls of the magnificent Basilica of College Basketball. — Richard F.

We compiled today’s newsletter using reporting from Matt Mullin, Gina Mizell, Gabriela Carroll, Devin Jackson, Rob Tornoe, Ariel Simpson, Jackie Spiegel, Mike Sielski, Lochlahn March, Scott Lauber, and Owen Hewitt.

By submitting your written, visual, and/or audio contributions, you agree to The Inquirer’s Terms of Use, including the grant of rights in Section 10.

Thanks for getting your morning started with me on this hot spring day. Kerith will catch back up with you in Thursday’s newsletter. — Bella

If this year is anything like the previous two, expect the Flyers to make some noise ahead of Friday’s 3 p.m. deadline.

General manager Danny Brière has a history of making trades in the hours leading up to the deadline, and this year could be a similar case, with players such as Rasmus Ristolainen rumored to be on the move.

Jackie Spiegel takes a look back at the last two years and what Brière did in the week leading up to the previous trade deadlines.

But let’s evaluate where this team currently stands. Entering Thursday’s game against Utah, Rick Tocchet’s club was on a sudden upswing and just six points out of a playoff spot with 22 games to play.

Their playoff odds was 11%, but dropped to 7.7% after a 3-0 shut out loss to the Mammoth. So, how are Brière and Keith Jones approaching the deadline? Are they still taking the long-view approach to rebuilding or has patience worn thin?

While the Flyers are desperate to reach the playoffs for the first time in six seasons, they should avoid the temptation and sell off, writes Gustav Elvin.

— Isabella DiAmore, @phillysport, sports.daily@inquirer.com.

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❓What moves would you like to see the Flyers make ahead of the deadline? Email us back for a chance to be featured in the newsletter.

Free agency roundtable

The 2026 NFL free agency period begins on Monday when “legal tampering” negotiation window opens. The Eagles are not expected to be among the NFL’s most active teams — but big things could happen nonetheless.

The Inquirer’s Jeff McLane, Olivia Reiner, and Jeff Neiburg got together for a roundtable ahead of next week’s festivities and weighed in on some of the realistic targets and moves we could see the Birds make.

What we’re …

🔍 Following: A woman hit in the face by a foul ball at Little League Classic field is suing MLB, Williamsport, and the Crosscutters for carelessness and recklessness.

🤔 Wondering: Twenty-four Iowa State players transferred to Penn State. Why did so many follow coach Matt Campbell to Happy Valley?

🎉 Celebrating: After more than six months of searching, The Stoop Pigeon, a women’s sports hub and cafe, has a new location with plans to open in June.

📰 Reading: TJ Power never found a home on the court at Duke and Virginia. At Penn, he’s tougher, more mature, and has rekindled his love for the game.

Crawford gets helping hand

The Phillies have done their best to make 22-year-old center fielder Justin Crawford feel comfortable. It started with manager Rob Thomson calling him this winter to encourage Crawford to “be himself” and to get ready to compete for a starting job. And it has continued during spring training with 28-year-old left fielder Brandon Marsh, who has tried to pay it forward by offering advice, friendship, and springing for a custom made black suit so the rookie can “look good” for a playoff run this fall.

Jesús Luzardo said “maybe a little bit of adrenaline” contributed to an uptick in his velocity, but he was pleased with his first spring start.

Next: The Phillies will play a split-squad game against the Pirates in Bradenton, Fla., at 1:05 p.m. Friday. Jean Cabrera will start for the Phillies.

Breaking down final 20 games

Jabari Walker was one of the 76ers’ lone standouts in their 40-point loss to the San Antonio Spurs. The next night he starred again in the Sixers’ win over the Utah Jazz. They’ll need those types of performances down the stretch of the final 20 games of the season. The Inquirer’s Gina Mizell took a look at that stretch, focusing on Paul George’s return, Joel Embiid’s injury management, and playoff positioning.

Overwhelmed by the moment

With no midweek game this week, Bradley Carnell had time to reflect on the Union’s loss to New York City FC on Sunday. He suggested that “sometimes the moment gets to us a little bit.”

His club is off to a 0-2 start in Major League Soccer. Carnell is looking address that and make adjustments, starting at the attacking end of the field.

Sports snapshot

• The Big Dance: Villanova’s teams are going to the NCAA Tournament. Will they have any company from the Big 5?
• Moving on: St. Joe’s women leaned on its defense and three-point shooting to advance to the Atlantic 10 quarterfinals.
• Blowout win: Villanova’s 76-57 win over DePaul was their eighth conference road win, the program’s most since 2016.
• Getting praise: Three Villanova women’s basketball players earned Big East honors, including a most improved player of the year award.

The Big Picture

Each Friday, Inquirer photo editors pick the best Philly sports images from the last seven days. As the calendar flips to March, we’ve got nearly every sport covered, with the exception of football — but don’t worry, NFL free agency starts next week. From the Sixers and Flyers getting physical in Philly to the Phillies heating up in Clearwater, here’s a look at our best shots of the week.

What you’re saying about the Big 5

We asked: Do you have a Big 5 hoops memory? Among your responses:

The La Salle University Explorers were NCAA national champions in 1954, with Tom Gola being named the MVP. I was in 9th grade back in the days and basketball was the “In Sport” in Philly. The entire sporting world knew about Overbrook High School with Wilt and this small LaSalle College now a University at Broad & Olney. Waiting for the Evening Bulletin & Daily News newspapers to be delivered was always exciting so we could read the stories. Guess I’m one of the lucky ones that at 86 my memory immediately flashed back to Tom Gola & Wilt. — Ronald R.

I am a Temple University graduate. I remember going to lots of “big 5” games at the palestra. It was an outstanding venue. Win/loss records did not matter for big 5 games. They were always hard fought. One game stands out because my future wife and I were photographed and appeared in the Inquirer sports page. — Richard P.

It’s always the streamers, the rolls of toilet paper thrown after first basket score and the drums. We’re talking the 1960’s. Villanova – St Joe’s always the best. — Charlene C.

Grew up loving the Big 5 and going almost every Sat night in the late 60’s. I say the Palestra had charisma! Best memory was in 1969 (?) when LaSalle played Villanova in game 2 and Penn v Columbia in game 1. The nightcap featured Ken Durrett (L) vs Howard Porter (V) but LaSalle also had future NBA /ABA players Larry Cannon (my Lincoln HS), Roland Taylor and Bernie Williams. Columbia had Jim McMillan who played for the Lakers. Amazing talent in the building that night. LaSalle was ranked #2 in the polls, but couldn’t go to the NCAA’s because of probation. The crowd noise, streamers, rollout banners are still great memories. Now I suffer in a basketball coma in State College with Penn State. — Gary P.

Saturday afternoon doubleheaders at the Palestra. The first game would be a Big 5 match and second game involved another Big 5 team. Good times. Really miss the streamers. — Brad L.

My favorite Big 5 memories are many Villanova/St. Joe’s games. This has always been a special rivalry resulting in memorable games. Unfortunately, these games have lost something in intensity and just overall atmosphere since they have moved from the Palestra. — Tom E.

Used to love the Palestra. Penn would win the first game, then the Big 5 game would go. Got in on a St Joe’s ID for years. All games were competitive. Seems to me Rollie Massimino screwed it up, because the other Big 5 teams were as good as Villanova and he was such a big baby he didn’t want to lose to any of them. — Bill M.

Mike Sielski’s story about the decline of the Big 5 was very interesting and the reasons very logical. When growing up in the Philly area I was always a big fan of the Big 5 teams, but rarely ever saw them in person. I was much more interested in going to see the Philadelphia Warriors first and later the 76ers. Of course many of the Philly pros came from the Big 5 including Arizin, Gola, Wali Jones, Guy Rodgers, Melchonni, Goukas, Mike Bantum and more. — Everett S.

Loved the Palestra doubleheaders along with the creative signs that were rolled open, passes down the student section and shredded by the first few rows. The best times were when Penn made the Final 4, Temple made it to several elite 8s and St Joe’s was #1 for part of a season. — Bob C.

We compiled today’s newsletter using reporting from Jackie Spiegel, Gustav Elvin, Olivia Reiner, Jeff McLane, Jeff Neiburg, Jonathan Tannenwald, Ariel Simpson, Sean McKeown, Greg Finberg, Owen Hewitt, Dylan Johnson, Alex Coffey, Colin Schofield, Inquirer Staff Photograpers, and Gina Mizell.

By submitting your written, visual, and/or audio contributions, you agree to The Inquirer’s Terms of Use, including the grant of rights in Section 10.

As always, thanks for reading. Have a wonderful weekend, we’ll be back in your inbox on Monday. — Bella

As you may have heard on Tuesday, Johan Rojas tested positive for a performance-enhancing drug and is facing an 80-game suspension by MLB.

Rojas plans to appeal the suspension, and the MLB hasn’t yet contacted the Phillies about his status. The center fielder was scheduled to play for the Dominican Republic in the upcoming World Baseball Classic, but didn’t join the team in Miami over the weekend.

The Phillies’ outfield depth would be diminished by a suspension to Rojas, as Brandon Marsh, Justin Crawford, and Adolis García are locked into outfield spots, while Otto Kemp hasn’t been a full-time outfielder.

A situation like this wouldn’t be a huge deal for some teams. The Phillies, however, are not one of those teams. They don’t have a choice but to scavenge for someone who at least looks like a center fielder, writes columnist David Murphy.

In other news, with the World Baseball Classic opening on Thursday, former Phillies pitcher Phillippe Aumont will return to the mound with Team Canada. The 37-year-old left baseball to become a farmer. Now, he’ll get the chance to face his old team in a tuneup.

— Isabella DiAmore, @phillysport, sports.daily@inquirer.com.

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❓What are your thoughts on Rojas’ potential suspension and how it will impact the Phillies? Email us back for a chance to be featured in the newsletter.

Guide to free agency

Change is coming to the Eagles’ defense. Of the Eagles’ 19 pending unrestricted free agents, nine are on defense and four — Jaelan Phillips, Nakobe Dean, Reed Blankenship, and Adoree’ Jackson — were starters for most of the 2025 season.

Some positions have more clear-cut internal replacements than others. Some pending free agents are likely higher priorities for retention than others.

Here’s a look at where the Eagles stand with their pending defensive free agents.

More than a coach

Andrea Peterson is in her 12th season at the helm for Neumann Goretti. She is the most accomplished girls’ high school basketball coach in the area.

Somehow, she manages to run her childcare business in Delaware County, coach Neumann Goretti, which is really a 12-month long responsibility, runs her AAU Philly Legacy program, while raising her sibling’s three children, easily working between 70 to 80 hours a week during the four-month high school basketball season.

For those that know Peterson, they wouldn’t expect anything less.

Look good, feel good

Owen Tippett has style. On Saturday, the Flyers’ social media accounts had a picture of Tippett in his gameday fit, sporting a Kith sweater, baggy black jeans, and sunglasses. He followed that up with a Canadian tuxedo, fittingly in Toronto, on Monday.

Now, this isn’t about fashion, instead it’s about the old-fashioned mantra: “If you look good, you feel good,” and right now, the Flyers need to Tippett to step up with Travis Konecny’s status up in the air.

Even without their leading goal scorer, the Flyers have won three straight after a 3-2 shootout win against the Toronto Maple Leafs. Here are four numbers to know.

Change of speed

South Jersey’s Lavar Scott grew up racing on dirt tracks with his family. When he turned 15, he wanted to pursue a career in racing, which meant moving to Charlotte, N.C.

Six years ago, he was accepted into the NASCAR Drive for Diversity program and worked his way toward racing at the highest level. Now he’s one step from the sport’s top tier — and is already giving back to the Philly area.

Sports snapshot

• Future implications: With Matt Hodge sidelined for the rest of the season, Kevin Willard will need to weigh some short and long term decisions.
• Give an assist: Point guard Derek Simpson is a key contributor in St. Joseph’s turning around its season.
• Title holder: Cardinal O’Hara graduate Maggie Doogan was named Atlantic 10 Player of the Year for the consecutive year.
• Let’s compare: A sellout crowd in New York brought another great atmosphere to Unrivaled. But it couldn’t top Philly’s spectacle.

🧠 Trivia time answer

The Eagles drafted first-round wideouts in back-to-back years in 2020 (Jalen Reagor) and 2021 (DeVonta Smith). Prior to that, who was the last receiver they drafted in the first round?

D) Nelson Agholor in 2015.

Join us!

What are the Flyers’ plans for the NHL trade deadline?

You can ask that question and more during a Reddit AMA with the Inquirer’s Jackie Spiegel on Wednesday in the r/Flyers Subreddit.

What you’re saying about NFL free agency

We asked: Which of the Eagles’ pending free agents should Roseman prioritize re-signing? Among your responses:

Dollars and sense drives these decisions. We have no tight ends and few edge rushers on the roster today. Signing Goedert and Phillips makes sense if their contracts fit the budget. The pressure is on Howie to again figure it out, make the right moves and keep the Super Bowl window open. — Tom E.

Bring back Goedert, Dean and Phillips — why are they so intent on moving on from Goedert? None of the other tight ends on the roster contributed at all last year. — Richard E.

Phillips and Dean are players that the BIRDS should resign. Dean is the play caller for the D and is tough. Phillips brings that outside rush which we desperately need. — Tom G.

Free agent must keepers: P Braden Mann, OLB Jaelan Phillips, TE Dallas Goedert, LB Nakobe Dean. Dump List- T. O. 2.0 WR A. J. Brown. Off to the Raiders or New England. Enough with his disruptive nonsense. — Ronald R.

Make it a priority to resign Dallas Goedert who had his best season this past year 60 receptions for 591 yards and 11 TD’s. At 6-5 256 he make an excellent target. When Brown and others were failing Dallas was there for Hurts when he most needed him. — Everett S.

All of them. — Paul D.

We compiled today’s newsletter using reporting from Alex Coffey, Scott Lauber, David Murphy, Jeff Neiburg, Olivia Reiner, Matt Breen, Ryan Mack, Kerith Gabriel, Jackie Spiegel, Jonathan Tannenwald, Joseph Santoliquito, and Devin Jackson.

By submitting your written, visual, and/or audio contributions, you agree to The Inquirer’s Terms of Use, including the grant of rights in Section 10.

Have a wonderful Wednesday, and thanks for getting your morning started with me. Kerith will catch back up with you in Thursday’s newsletter. — Bella