NEW YORK -- It has been a long time since Phillies fans have been excited about their team at the All-Star break.
It means they might pay closer attention to the All-Star Game presented by Mastercard (Tuesday at 7:30 p.m. ET on FOX) at Nationals Park, especially with the possibility that Aaron Nola might pitch. The Phillies made sure he would be available when they set up their rotation, so he will start Saturday against the Marlins in Miami. Zach Eflin will start Sunday in the final game before the break.
"I can certainly put myself in the shoes of a fan and say, 'I can't wait to turn on the game and watch Aaron Nola, our All Star, pitch in that game,'" Phillies manager Gabe Kapler said Wednesday afternoon at Citi Field. "I think that means something. I think it's a powerful thing."
The Phillies had been kicking around the possibility of having Nola start Sunday, which would have given him an extra day of rest, but it also would have meant he could not pitch Tuesday.
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"There's this balance of doing what's best for Nola long term," Kapler said. "Obviously, there's no right answer for that. And what's best for the Phillies long term, there's no right answer for that. But you're thinking about it. Ultimately, it's what this guy has earned, which is to pitch in the middle of the summer in the All-Star Game. That happens maybe once in a lifetime. Maybe for him it happens 15 times. But it's at least worth noting that it's an honor that you have to respect, and to respect if fully you have to switch things up a little to make sure that happens."
While watching the 2018 All-Star Game presented by Mastercard live on FOX on Tuesday, fans can submit their choices for the Ted Williams Most Valuable Player Award presented by Chevrolet with the 2018 All-Star Game MLB.com MVP Vote.

The 89th Midsummer Classic, at Nationals Park in Washington, D.C., will be televised nationally by FOX Sports; in Canada by Rogers Sportsnet and RDS; and worldwide by partners in more than 180 countries. FOX Deportes will provide Spanish-language coverage in the United States, while ESPN Radio and ESPN Radio Deportes will provide exclusive national radio coverage of the All-Star Game. MLB Network, MLB.com and SiriusXM also will provide comprehensive All-Star Week coverage.
For more information about MLB All-Star Week and to purchase tickets, visit AllStarGame.com and follow @MLB and @AllStarGame on social media.
Garcia close to return
Phillies right-hander Luis Garcia could rejoin the team following the All-Star break next week.
Garcia has been on the 10-day disabled list since June 13 because of a strained right wrist. He is scheduled to make rehab appearances Friday and Sunday with Triple-A Lehigh Valley. If everything goes well, he could be back in the bullpen July 20 against the Padres.
"Everything is right on track with him and he's feeling really strong," Kapler said.