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Kevin Markham, image- Jay Floyd Through much of the season, outfielder Kevin Markham has been a contributor for his team.  The 24-year-old opened the 2018 campaign with Class A Lakewood where he helped that club win the first half division title and clinch a playoff berth by sporting a .282 batting average with a pair of homers, 15 RBI and 12 stolen bases in 53 games. Following a promotion to Class A Advanced Clearwater the lefty batter has tallied a .275 average with four doubles, two triples, seven RBI and four steals in 29 games.  The Threshers lead their division in the second half standings and appear to be headed for a post-season berth of their own. Markham was the 24th round draft pick of the Phillies last year out of the University of Texas at San Antonio. Recently, I interviewed the Texas native about his successful first full year in the minors, his team, playing along side rehabbing major league players and more.  Read ahead for that interview. -...

Image- Jay Floyd Entering action this week, the Phillies resided just ½ game out of first place in the National League East division and confidence in the team among its fan base was growing by the day. With playoff fever consuming local 76ers supporters and Super Bowl dreams fulfilled this year for Eagles Nation, high hopes are abound for the local nine. A remarkable turnaround, led by a new regime, has fans, media types and baseball insiders alike wondering that the Phillies’ odds of reaching or winning the World Series could be. This week I gathered feedback from several sports authorities that are familiar with the Phillies, seeking insight on their early impressions and thoughts on the team’s potential for postseason glory. Read on for those remarks. TV anchor/reporter Marshall Harris , formerly of Comcast SportsNet/NBCSN Philly- To say the Phillies are off to a good start is an understatement. I thought if they got enough good starting pitching behind Jake Arrieta ...

Ryan Howard, image- Jay Floyd In a series that will wrap up the fifth straight season in which the Phillies (70-89) have failed to reach the postseason, the host club will likely see a division rival clinch a playoff berth on their home turf. The Phils will host the Mets (85-74), who hold a magic number of two to lock down a National League Wild Card spot, for a three-game set beginning Friday night. With the Mets in the driver's seat to be able to punch their own ticket toward the postseason, the Phils will counter with something remarkable of their own, when they honor former NL Most Valuable Player and three-time All-Star Ryan Howard with a pre-game presentation on Sunday. The 36-year-old is playing his last days in a Phillies uniform as the team reportedly plans a buy out of their option on the veteran for next season. The lefty slugger has been in the Phils' organization since the team made him their 5th round draft choice back in 2001. The Mets have been vic...

Chase Utley, image- Jay Floyd When the Dodgers (65-52) come to town to take on the Phillies (56-63) in a three-game set, it will mark the return of one of the home organization's most beloved players when Chase Utley makes his first return to Philadelphia's Citizens Bank Park since last August when he was traded to Los Angeles. As a member of the Phillies, Utley became a six-time All-Star and helped the Phillies win the World Series in 2008. Over 13 season with the Phils, the team's 1st round draft pick from 2000 batted .282 with 233 homers and 916 RBI. Utley will hope to help his current club maintain their lead in the National League Wild Card race when the teams open their series on Tuesday. Read ahead for a complete rundown on the pitching match ups with loads more stats from this series. Tuesday, 7:05PM. Kenta Maeda (11-7, 3.31 ERA) vs. Vince Velasquez (8-4, 3.94 ERA). Maeda, a 28-year-old righty, has a 7-2 record with a 3.28 ERA in 11 road star...

Reports out of spring training on Friday stated that righty pitcher Jerad Eickhoff suffered a fractured thumb on his throwing hand during a bunting drill last week. The setback has prevented the 25-year-old from throwing off a mound thus far, early in camp. The six-foot-four 240-pounder was among the collection of prospects the Phillies obtained last summer in the trade that sent Cole Hamels and Jake Diekman to Texas. After joining the Phillies, Eickhoff quickly made his major league debut, posting a 3-3 record with a 2.65 ERA and a .245 batting average against in eight starts. The ailment is not expected to keep Eickhoff out of action for very long. The Phils anticipate the he'll still be ready to start the regular season with the big club. Eickhoff was originally a 15th round draft choice of the Rangers in 2011.

On the latest edition of Phillies Nation, the Philadelphia Inquirer's Matt Breen joins the panel to discuss the big league debut of Alec Asher , the production of Jerad Eickhoff as well as Aaron Nola 's efforts for the big club. Minor league insider Jay Floyd and Rudy Mezzy team up to review the Phils' acquisitions from recent trades including righty pitcher Nick Pivetta . Rachel and Corey also chat about what is to come for Ryan Howard , Cameron Rupp and others. Watch this week's episode in the media player below and look for new episodes to premiere each Tuesday at 6PM on The Comcast Network (no new show Labor Day week).