Max Kepler, a free-agent outfielder with a career .235/.316/.425 slash line, has been suspended for 80 games after testing positive for the performance-enhancing drug Epitrenbolone, following a season with the Philadelphia Phillies.
Max Kepler received an 80-game suspension for testing positive for a performance-enhancing drug, which affects his availability and earning potential, especially as a free agent and for the 2026 playoffs.
Phillies president Dombrowski had a positive, private conversation with star Bryce Harper following recent comments that hurt Harper, who expressed disappointment over being questioned about his performance after a less-than-elite season, amid ongoing team discussions.
Phillies' president Dombrowski questions if Bryce Harper can return to being an elite player after a below-par 2025 season, highlighting Harper's motivation and the team's ongoing efforts to improve and retain key players for future success.
Shohei Ohtani expressed his admiration for Philadelphia, praising Phillies fans for their passion and revealing his love for Philly cheesesteaks ahead of the Dodgers' NLDS matchup against the Phillies, where he will make his first postseason start.
Nick Castellanos expressed dissatisfaction with communication from Phillies manager Rob Thomson, highlighting ongoing issues and recent benching, but remains focused on helping the team win the World Series despite underwhelming performance and contract concerns.
A Phillies fan was involved in a viral incident where he was confronted by a woman over a home run ball, but he urged others to leave her alone, and the situation ended positively with the young fan receiving memorabilia and a meeting with the player. Similar incidents at the US Open also highlighted issues around autographs and souvenirs.
Walker Buehler, former Red Sox pitcher, has signed with the Philadelphia Phillies and will be eligible to pitch in the postseason, aiming to bolster their rotation after a challenging season and recent injury setbacks.
Kyle Schwarber made MLB history with his 21st four-homer game, helping the Phillies dominate the Braves and boosting his MVP campaign, though Shohei Ohtani remains the favorite for the NL MVP award.
The Philadelphia Phillies defeated the Seattle Mariners 12-7 on August 18, 2025, with Trea Turner and Bryce Harper leading the offense, including Harper's two homers. Ranger Suárez earned the win, while Seattle's pitching struggled, and the Mariners continue to face a losing streak.
Alec Bohm, a Phillies hitter, rarely pulls the ball in the air due to his swing timing and contact point, which favors opposite field hits. While pulling the ball could increase his power, making such adjustments involves tradeoffs, and Bohm currently makes contact with the ball slightly behind the plate, limiting his pull tendencies.
Tarik Skubal led the Detroit Tigers to a 7-5 victory over the Philadelphia Phillies, ending his winless streak since June, with Javier Baez contributing a homer and four RBIs. Skubal pitched seven strong innings, and Kyle Finnegan secured the save. Bryce Harper and Kyle Schwarber highlighted the Phillies' efforts, but the Tigers' offense and pitching prevailed in this MLB game.
Dan Patrick criticized Bryce Harper for his unprofessional reaction during a confrontation with MLB commissioner Rob Manfred, calling it embarrassing and disappointing, especially given the context of ongoing discussions about implementing a salary cap in Major League Baseball.
MLB commissioner Rob Manfred and Phillies star Bryce Harper had a heated verbal confrontation in the Phillies clubhouse during Manfred's team tour, with Harper strongly criticizing the commissioner and using profanity, leading to a brief exchange before continuing the meeting for about an hour.
The Red Sox lost a game to the Phillies in a highly unusual manner when a catcher's interference call ended the game, marking only the second time since 1920 such a ruling has decided a major league game, leading to confusion and debate over the rule's application.