Phillies set to host the Mets
Fresh off one of the biggest wins of the season, the Phillies turn their sights to a rare five-game set with the New York Mets that opens with a single-admission doubleheader this afternoon at Citizens Bank Park.

Rookie Ranger Suarez will start the first game for the Phils, making his second career big league start. He surrendered four runs over five innings in his debut on July 26 in Cincinnati. The Mets counter in the opener with righty Corey Oswalt who has a 5.03 ERA over seven starts.

In the nightcap, Zach Eflin will toe the rubber for the Phillies as he'll be recalled from Triple-A Lehigh Valley to act as the club's extra player for the day. Steven Matz will start for the Mets.

The Mets open the series with an offense that put up 16 runs on Wednesday night and is hitting .290 over the last week. Outfielder Brandon Nimmo is at the forefront of the hot streak, hitting .429 over the past seven days with eight runs scored.

Meanwhile, the Phillies were forced to empty the bullpen on Wednesday as Vince Velasquez failed to get out of the third inning. The relief corps answered with a strong 6 2/3 innings performance, surrendering only one unearned run.

The heavy bullpen usage means the Phillies will need some innings from both Suarez and Eflin.

The Mets are 16 games below .500, so this series should present the Phillies with an opportunity to gain some ground as they enter play today trailing the Braves by two games in the NL East standings. The Braves, meanwhile, play host to the Rockies.

Roster Moves
Aaron Loup has been placed on the 10-day DL with a left forearm strain & Austin Davis has been placed on the 10-day DL with low back tightness. In turn, the Phillies recalled Mark Leiter Jr. from Lehigh Valley (AAA).

Game 1 Lineup
Hernandez 4
Bour 3
Cabrera 6
Hoskins 7
Williams 9
Franco 5
Herrera 8
Alfaro 2
Suarez 1
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Follow Patrick on Twitter: @PGordonPBR

BY PATRICK GORDON
Managing Editor
pgordon@philadelphiabaseballreview.com

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