The Phillies head out west for the first time this season and open a set with the Rockies tonight in Colorado. Jake Arrieta pieced together a stellar outing on Wednesday, pitching into the ninth inning in the Phillies 3-2 victory over the Mets at Citizens Bank Park.

With Aaron Nola struggling and the back end of the rotation still a question mark, Arrieta has been clutch for the Phils.

“It certainly seems like he's taken the reins and taking the lead for our pitching staff right now,” Phillies manager Gabe Kapler said. “I think it starts with his mindset. I think he understands that everybody in the clubhouse is looking to him for leadership, and I think that starts with his performance on the mound. I think he recognizes that, and he's kind of taking the bull by the horns.”



Bounce back opportunity
Zach Eflin will start tonight's series opener. After two spectacular starts to open the season, he faltered this past Saturday surrendering six runs on 10 hits in four innings against the Marlins.

About the Rockies 
Colorado is 0-5 at Coors Field this season and the club is averaging just 3.3 runs per game - the fourth lowest number in all of baseball. The good news though for the Rockies is that they are returning home fresh off a sweep of the Padres. Rockies' All-Star Nolan Arendado is also heating up, hitting a homer in each of the last three contests.

Roster moves
The Phillies optioned Nick Pivetta to Triple-A Lehigh Valley on Wednesday and announced Jerad Eickhoff will slide into his vacated spot in the starting rotation. The club also moved reliever Tommy Hunter to the 60-day injured wrist and selected the contract of infielder Phil Gosselin to act as depth while Jean Segura nurses a sore hamstring. In 10 games at Lehigh Valley, Gosselin, 30, was hitting .419 with a 1.055 OPS. He is a West Chester area native and also a Malvern Prep grad.

Also of note, the club placed Odubel Herrera on the injured list with a right hamstring strain and promoted Roman Quinn to take his spot on the 25-man roster.

Phillies probables
Thursday: Zach Eflin (2-1, 3.94) vs. Kyle Freeland (1-3, 5.40)
Friday: Vince Velasquez (0-0, 2.25) vs. German Marquez (2-1, 2.00)
Saturday: Aaron Nola (1-0, 7.45) vs. Antonio Senzatela (1-0, 1.35)
_____________________________________________
Follow Patrick on Twitter: @PGordonPBR

BY PATRICK GORDON
Managing Editor
pgordon@philadelphiabaseballreview.com

Post a Comment

Previous Post Next Post