Things could get interesting for the Lehigh Valley IronPigs’ Darick Hall over the next few weeks.

Hall was recalled by the Phillies to add some punch off their bench, and has found himself playing first base against right-handed pitchers.

Sounds good for Mr. Hall, right?

It does, but that plan is written in pencil.

Since coming back from Tommy John surgery on his right elbow, Bryce Harper has been a shell of himself with just three home runs at the All-Star break. He also has been limited to being the team’s designated hitter but has taken ground balls at first, and word is that he will become more of a first baseman when he is cleared to throw, which could happen during the break.

That would open the DH spot for Kyle Schwarber, who has been a bit of a liability in left field. It would also take away the only two spots in the lineup where Hall could fit at first base and designated hitter. Since he would then be limited to just pinch-hitting duties, it’s likely the Phillies would opt for someone with more positional flexibility, especially since they would need a left fielder to replace Schwarber.

There won’t be shock and awe if a transaction listing in the near future reads: The Phillies have optioned Darick Hall to Lehigh Valley and recalled outfielder Jake Cave.

After all, Cave is ripping apart pitchers in the International League since being sent to Lehigh Valley from Philadelphia. In 54 games with the Pigs, Cave is batting .355 with 16 home runs and 48 RBIs.

Of course, there could be a different transaction listing for the Phillies before the end of July. That one might read: The Phillies have traded Darick Hall to …

Yeah, Hall could be viewed as a spare part and package him in a deal to get another major league player before the July trading deadline. The Phillies are known to be buyers at the deadline, and it will not surprise anyone if they make at least one impactful trade - and Hall could be a part of that deal.

TRIVIA … The IronPigs and the rest of Triple-A baseball are shut down for the annual All-Star break. Where is this year’s Triple-A All-Star Game being played? Sorry, it was a trick question. There is no Triple-A All-Star Game. COVID canceled the game in 2020 and 2021, and it has never been put back onto the schedule, and no one has said anything about it being brought back anywhere down the road. The Future’s Game, - which was played this past weekend as a prelude to the MLB All-Star Game - has taken the place of All-Star games in the minors.

MAKING HISTORY … No IronPig has ever reached the 20-home run and 20-stolen base mark in a season until this year. Weston Wilson is another player who should be considered for a spot on the major league roster with the type of season he’s having. Wilson has a line of 20-58-.268/.369/.526, and is 20-for-24 in stolen base attempts. In addition to the offensive show he puts on, Wilson has also played at first, third, short, left field and right field for Lehigh Valley. Wilson is not on the 40-man roster, so the Phillies would need to open a spot for him to bring him to the majors.

WHAT TO WATCH FOR … The annual All-Star Break is a time when teams will usually shuffle some players from one level to another in the minor leagues. All eyes are on pitchers Mick Abel and Griff McGarry, who are both at Double-A Reading. Abel had a tough month of May, posting a 7.45 ERA, but rebounded in June with a 3.81 ERA. The Phillies may want to see more consistency and better control out of him (35 walks in 60 innings). McGarry was injured to open the season, but in nine starts since has a 3.86 ERA. He does have 25 walks in 25 2/3 innings, so he too needs to find more control. As for position players, 23-year-old Carlos De La Cruz can play all three outfield positions and first base. He played 38 games with Reading last season, and has another 77 under his belt this season. He is batting 16-42-.288/.362/.500, and could be ready for Lehigh Valley. Center field prospect Johan Rojas could also be ready for Triple-A. In 136 games with Reading between last season and this season, Rojas has hit 13-61-.286 with 59 stolen bases in 71 attempts.