By Todd Zolecki

A strong performance this week in St. Louis and Detroit and the Phillies could be buyers before the July 31 Trade Deadline.

A poor performance and they seem likely to sell.

But they still believe they have a chance to make the postseason, which is why they will watch free agent relief pitcher Brian Wilson throw Thursday in Los Angeles. Wilson is 15 months removed from Tommy John surgery. He threw Monday for the Giants, but Thursday’s session is expected to include numerous teams looking for bullpen help.

The Phillies certainly are one of them. Their bullpen entered Tuesday’s series opener against the Cardinals at Busch Stadium with a 4.36 ERA, which is the third-worst mark in baseball.