The calendar has flipped to July, and the MLB All-Star Game is just 12 days away, set for July 15 at Atlanta’s Truist Park.

While it technically comes past the 81-game halfway mark for most teams, the Midsummer Classic is still widely regarded as baseball’s midseason measuring stick.

So, in true unorthodox fashion, let’s take an early look at the state of the Phillies, Mets and Yankees as the second half looms. At the time of this writing, the Phillies (50-36) and Mets (48-38) had each played 86 games, while the Yankees (48-37) had played 85.

A shared theme among all three clubs? They’ll all be shopping for pitching help at the trade deadline.

This week’s Behind the Plate focuses on the Phillies’ current form, includes fan reactions to a Phillies “Mount Rushmore” poll, and reflects on a standout local pitcher who helped lead Marian to a title in 1981.

Philling Up ... Offensively, the Phillies were batting .254 (eighth in MLB) with 92 home runs (tied for eighth) — respectable marks.

• Kyle Schwarber (26 HR, 58 RBIs, .249) is producing within his expected range.

• Alec Bohm (.280) has shaken off an early-season slump.

• Nick Castellanos (.269) is slightly behind his usual pace.

• Trea Turner (.292) has settled in atop the lineup and appears All-Star bound.

The outfield remains an area of concern:

• Max Kepler (.206) continues to struggle, and rookie Otto Kemp (.246) could see more time despite a recent slide.

• Brandon Marsh’s status in center field may be determined by trade deadline moves, while Johan Rojas has cooled off after a strong start.

• Bryson Stott hit .314 in April but slumped to .216 in May and .207 in June.

• Bryce Harper (9 HR, 34 RBIs, .256) needs a strong second half. His health will play a pivotal role in shaping the team’s approach at the deadline.

On the mound:

• Zack Wheeler (8-3, 2.27 ERA) is in ace form and on pace for a potential 20-win season.

• Ranger Suárez (7-2, 2.00) is quietly putting together a Cy Young–worthy campaign.

• Cristopher Sánchez (6-2, 2.79) has emerged as a reliable sleeper.

• Jesus Luzardo has shown flashes, but carries a 4.06 ERA and questions about his durability over five innings.

• Joe Ross has underwhelmed, while rookie Mick Abel was exposed early.

• Taijuan Walker remains an unpredictable X-factor.

• The Phillies’ biggest question: Can Aaron Nola return to form? If not, the club will need to acquire a starting arm.

In the bullpen:

• José Alvarado’s suspension continues to create a gap with no clear answer.

• Jordan Romano has lowered his ERA to 7.28 — an improvement, but still problematic.

• Orion Kerkering (5-3, 2.48) may be a second-half closer candidate if no deal is made.

Grades:

• Offense: B+ – Kepler’s struggles must be addressed, and Harper’s health is essential.

• Pitching: B– – The rotation is steady despite Nola’s inconsistency. Prospect Andrew Painter’s expected July debut may be delayed as he works through growing pains (3-2, 4.24 ERA).

Outlook: The NL East is likely a two-team race between the Phillies and Mets. With the Braves dealing with injuries, the Phillies could capture a second straight division title — if they add pitching.

Sharing Some Big Apple Bites ... At this point, the Mets and Yankees are trending similarly.

• The Mets are batting .245 (18th) with 109 home runs (eighth).

• The Yankees are hitting .253 (11th) with 128 home runs (second).

Both rely on power bats — Pete Alonso for the Mets and Aaron Judge for the Yankees.

Juan Soto (20 HR, 47 RBIs) has solid numbers, but 17 of his homers have been solo shots. He’s hitting just .147 with runners in scoring position and .157 with runners on — well below expectations.

Both clubs also lack consistent production from the bottom of the order (No. 5–9 spots).

Potential trade targets include:

• Nolan Arenado (Cardinals) — could be back on the Yankees’ radar.

• Cedric Mullins (Orioles) — could fit the Mets’ needs in center field.

The Mets are patching their rotation until Sean Manaea and Kodai Senga return. The Yankees have a more stable staff.

Outlook:

• The Mets should remain in contention with the Phillies.

• The Yankees, barring injuries, could coast to an AL East title.

Mount Phillies-More ... In a recent Times News Sports Facebook poll, fans were asked: Who joins Mike Schmidt on a Phillies Mount Rushmore?

Early submissions included:

• Jason Green (Palmerton): Richie Ashburn, Steve Carlton, Robin Roberts — with Ryan Howard and Jimmy Rollins as close calls.

• Ray Bungle (Tamaqua): Howard, Carlton, Rollins

• Shane Becker (Palmerton): Carlton, Roberts, Chase Utley

• Rachel Serfass-Lutton (Palmerton): Carlton, Ashburn, Pete Rose

• Mike Frace and Kelly Bollinger (Palmerton): Frace picked John Kruk and Darren Daulton; Bollinger chose Rollins and Utley, calling them “two Hall of Famers.”

• Tom Maloney (Lehighton): Ashburn, Larry Bowa, Greg Luzinski

Scrapbook ... This week’s flashback features Andrew Sherkness, a dominant left-handed pitcher for Marian Catholic in the early ’80s.

In 1981, Sherkness went 9-1 with a 0.46 ERA. He struck out 133, walked 29, and allowed just five earned runs over more than 75 innings.

Teamed with right-hander Cas Kosciolek, they led the Colts to a 17-6 record, the Hughie McGeehan League title, and the District 11 Class 2A crown.

Sherkness fired a two-hitter with 15 Ks in a 3-0 semifinal win over Williams Valley, and combined with Kosciolek in a 2-1 victory over Pleasant Valley for the district title. In the state opener, he allowed just two hits and drove in a run in a 3-1 win over Western Wayne.

But in a heartbreaking quarterfinal against Octorara at Coplay, Marian blew a 7-0 lead in a 9-7 loss — a game forever remembered locally as the “power line game.” Dave Koin’s bases-loaded shot struck a power line in left field and, per pregame rules, was ruled a single rather than a game-breaking extra-base hit.

Sherkness was drafted in the 26th round by the Braves in 1981 but did not sign. He went on to pitch at Penn State-Hazleton before his career was cut short by injury.

Bobby’s Annual Bonus Baby ... On July 1, Bobby Bonilla once again received a check for $1.19 million from the Mets — a tradition that will continue through 2035.

After hitting just .160 in 1999, the Mets bought out Bonilla’s remaining $5.9 million deal in January 2000, deferring it with 8% interest. The result: a yearly payout from 2011 to 2035.

Bonilla played 16 MLB seasons with the Mets, Pirates, Orioles, Marlins, Braves, White Sox, Dodgers, and Cardinals, finishing with 287 home runs and 1,173 RBIs in 2,113 games.

Want to weigh in on the Phillies’ Mount Rushmore?

Email your picks and thoughts to tnsports@tnonline.com — and they could be featured in an upcoming column.