The Latest Breaking News from Kyle Schwarber

WASHINGTON — Three weeks later, Chicago Cubs left-hander Justin Steele laughs at how close he came to making history.

CINCINNATI — A few hours before the start of every series, the Phillies hold scouting meetings. The pitchers go over how to attack opposing hitters; the hitters review opposing pitchers. It’s a good time to bring up new topics or raise concerns.

NEW YORK — If Bryce Harper’s work goes well on Sunday, he will take batting practice on the field at Citizens Bank Park on Monday, according to interim manager Rob Thomson. Harper hasn’t taken batting practice on the field since he was hit by a Blake Snell pitch on June…

As if scoring runs against Max Scherzer and Jacob deGrom wasn’t going to be challenging enough this weekend, the Phillies will have to face the twin New York Mets aces without Kyle Schwarber.

I never wavered in my belief that the Braves would figure things out even as they stumbled through the season’s first two months. They would get sorted out and make the postseason one way or another. I’ll end up being right about that. But it turns out I was wrong…

Here’s where all 30 teams stand as we near the trade deadline.

PITTSBURGH — Before the Phillies game against the Pirates on Thursday night, interim manager Rob Thomson told his players to not take their 40-58 opponents for granted. “Get the lead,” he told them. “Step on the gas pedal.”

PHILADELPHIA — Rob Thomson has managed the Phillies on an interim basis for 55 days, not nearly long enough to establish a distinctive style of helmsmanship. If anything, the longtime coach and first-time skipper has projected consistency, calm, and a steady hand.

Despite their warts, the Phillies believe they can be a tough playoff team. It isn’t a delusional notion. They have two frontline starting pitchers, and well, anything can -- and often does -- happen in a short series.

Schwarber, speaking as a baseball fan, called the Cubs’ rebuild “shocking.”

PHILADELPHIA — When the Phillies swept the Marlins in Miami just before the All-Star break, they were playing pristine baseball. They committed no errors during that series. In their first game, they gutted out a 2-1 win despite an uncharacteristically shaky performance from closer Seranthony Domínguez. That didn’t feel like…