Looking at the biggest storylines of the second half for the National League East-leading Phillies as they attempt to make another World Series run.

The Phillies also experienced other playoff seasons, though several less successful spans left fans wondering if the franchise would ever contend again. None of the Phillies’ accomplishments would have been possible without certain players swinging the bat and throwing the baseball especially well.

They’ve been torching all comers for the bulk of the last two months, playing 19 games over .500 (31-12) since May 24. Impressively, they managed to shift into an even higher gear heading into the All-Star break, winning their last seven games — three of them against the mighty Dodgers — by a combined score of 40-14.

The Phillies criticized MLB after two of their pitchers weren't named replacements but Jacob Misiorowski, after five starts, made the team.

Kyle Schwarber is the Philadelphia Phillies second All-Star Game MVP since Johnny Callison in 1964, and becomes the first non-pitcher to go hitless and win MVP.

The Philadelphia Phillies have entered the All-Star break just half a game ahead of the New York Mets in the National League East, with this promising to be a t