Rarely is that a good sign.
Showers surround the area and radar shows heavier rains moving in over the next few hours from the west. The likelihood of a rain-out is actually small though as this is the only time Pittsburgh visits Philadelphia this season.
Assuming we play baseball tonight, Jeremy Hellickson will be on the mound for the Phillies aiming to continue the success he's achieved in his last three starts; an ERA of 2.79 while holding batters to a .235 batting average.
"He's our guy," Phillies manager Pete Mackanin said of Hellickson last week. "He's had better command and looks more comfortable out there which is a good sign."
Hellickson, 30, is one of the Phillies biggest trade chips with the trade deadline inching closer. Over 17 starts on the season he's 5-5 with a 4.48 ERA and a 1.27 WHIP. He's struggled at times with his command, but he certainly has the potential to strengthen the rotation of a team in the midst of a pennant run.
Opposing Hellickson is Bear, Del, native Chad Kuhl. The righty has struggled with the Pirates to a 2-5 mark with a 5.25 ERA, but he has improved his numbers over his last three starts and took a no-hitter into the sixth inning in his previous outing.
Tonight marks the first of two fireworks nights at Citizens Bank Park.
Rehab Update
Vince Velasquez is set to make a rehab start tonight for double-A Reading as the Fightins' are in Trenton.
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Follow Patrick on Twitter: @PGordonPBR
