By PATRICK GORDON | Managing Editor
April 4, 2016 - Updated 11:00 am
@PGordonPBR
CINCINNATI - The Philadelphia Phillies and Cincinnati Reds are both in the process of rebuilding, so it makes for an interesting opening day on Monday when the two clubs meet to start the regular season at Great American Ballpark.
The two clubs were the worst of the NL in 2015.
"The future is bright, but we are going to hit some bumps on the way," said Phillies manager Pete Mackanin. "That's part of a rebuild; it's natural."
The Phillies finished last season 63-99, marking their worst finish since 1969. The roster is littered with young unproven talent and veterans looking for a bounce-back year.
"Just go out and do what you know to do," said Phillies outfielder Peter Bourjos. "You put the effort in, good things will happen."
Bourjos is one of those veterans hoping to turn things around. The 29-year-old outfielder was claimed off waivers after hitting just .218 with eight homers over the last two seasons in St. Louis.
As for the Reds, the club set a major league record last season using an all-rookie rotation to start the final 64 games of the year. Anthony DeSclafani - the top starter from a year ago - is sidelined with a strained oblique, so Raisel Iglesias will take the mound on Monday.
Series Probables
Monday, 4/4 - RHP Jeremy Hellickson vs. RHP Raisel Iglesias
Wednesday, 4/6 - RHP Aaron Nola vs. LHP Brandon Finnegan
Thursday, 4/7 - RHP Charlie Morton vs. TBA
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