The Philadelphia Phillies are set to battle the San Francisco Giants at Oracle Park, with Jesús Luzardo and Justin Verlander taking the mound. The Giants aim for a series sweep after a thrilling walk-off win in the previous game, continuing their strong form with a 6-1 record in recent games. Meanwhile, Verlander seeks his first win of the season, having struggled with a 0-6 record across 14 starts.

Today's matchup also showcases Luzardo, who has had a mixed season but remains a key player for the Phillies. Betting lines favor the Phillies slightly, with odds reflecting their recent success compared to the Giants' inconsistent performances in Verlander's starts.

The Philadelphia Phillies face a critical challenge ahead of the trade deadline, especially as their offensive performance shows significant weaknesses that could hinder their postseason ambitions. Struggles with runners in scoring position highlight their need for improved production, particularly if stars like Kyle Schwarber and Bryce Harper aren't delivering power hits. A potential target, suggested by MLB Network's Greg Amsinger, is Baltimore Orioles center fielder Cedric Mullins. A 2021 All-Star, Mullins brings speed that the Phillies desperately need, particularly in a lineup that often lacks offensive spark when not relying on home runs.

Despite Mullins’ hot-and-cold hitting performance this season, where he has seen his OPS drop to a league-average level, he remains an intriguing option for the Phillies if the Orioles opt to trade him as they navigate their own playoff aspirations. At a reasonable salary of $8.7 million, Mullins could provide the Phillies with a much-needed upgrade in center field, an area that has needed improvement for several seasons.

Fantasy baseball managers are keenly eyeing three top prospects: Bubba Chandler, Samuel Basallo, and Andrew Painter, all of whom present significant potential for impact in the coming weeks. The conversation surrounding these players centers on their recent performances and the likelihood of their call-ups, particularly as the season heats up.

Bubba Chandler, the promising pitcher for the Pittsburgh Pirates, is a name that has fluctuated in stock. After a rocky June, he has shown signs of recovery with a standout performance, tossing six scoreless innings against Triple-A Louisville. Similarly, Samuel Basallo, a catcher for the Baltimore Orioles, has been showcasing his power in the minors but is hampered by a crowded injury list at his position. Finally, Andrew Painter has emerged as a prime candidate for promotion with solid outings in Triple-A. All three prospects are being considered for stashing or adding as the fantasy season progresses.

The Philadelphia Phillies are set to face the San Francisco Giants on July 9 at 3:45 PM ET, concluding their three-game series at Oracle Park in San Francisco. Left-hander Jesus Luzardo, boasting a 7-5 record and 4.44 ERA, will take the mound for the Phillies against the Giants’ right-hander Justin Verlander, who is still seeking his first win this season.

Fans can catch the game on NBC Sports Philadelphia (NBCSP), with radio coverage available on 94WIP and WDEL 101.7 FM. For those looking to stream, the game will be accessible via nbcsportsphiladelphia.com and the NBCSP app for local viewers, as well as platforms like FuboTV, Hulu, Peacock, and YouTube TV. MLB.TV subscribers will also have access to the game. Additionally, the Phillies will have scheduled appearances on Apple TV+ throughout the season, including a matchup against the New York Yankees on July 25.

Patrick Bailey's thrilling ninth-inning, three-run inside-the-park home run propelled the San Francisco Giants to a 4-3 victory over the Philadelphia Phillies. Bailey's clutch hit came after two underwhelming at-bats, showcasing his resilience. Mike Yastrzemski aided the Giants' effort by reaching base twice and scoring, while Casey Schmitt set the stage for the dramatic finish with a leadoff double. Ryan Walker secured the win after entering the game in a tight situation with two on base.

On the opposing side, Kyle Schwarber highlighted the Phillies' performance with two hits, including his league-leading 28th home run. Despite this, Robbie Ray's solid outing – yielding just one run in 5⅔ innings – wasn’t enough to prevent the loss. The Giants have now won six of their last seven games, exemplifying their late-season push.