"You have like one or two of those a year where you feel like you're trying to find your way through it from the get-go," Arrieta said (see video). "Everything was pretty normal going in. I felt good physically. Just timing, I was a tick late or a tick early and couldn't find a middle ground. And then when I did it seems like everything I threw in the zone got hit with guys on base."
These things happen, but it's tougher to stomach when it happens against arguably the worst team in the league. The Phillies have now split the four games they've played against the Marlins this year. That's not a recipe for success if the club aims to contend come September.
The Phillies turn to Zach Eflin tonight to halt the current three-game skid. This will be his first start of the season with the Phillies since taking over Ben Lively's spot in the rotation while he's on the disabled list. The 24-year-old made 11 starts for the Phillies last season, struggling to a 6.16 ERA in 64.1 innings over 11 starts. So far at Triple-A Lehigh Valley this season, he's 2-2 with a 4.05 ERA over 20 innings.
The Marlins counter with lefty Jarlin Garcia who has been dominant this year, posting a 1.00 ERA over 27 innings including three starts and two appearances in relief.
Success vs. the Fish
Rhys Hoskins has reached safely in each of his 14 career games against the Marlins and is slashing .391/.531/1.000 with 8 home runs,
23 RBI and 15 walks in 64 career plate appearances.
Tonight's Starting Lineup
1. Cesar Hernandez 4
2. Rhys Hoskins 7
3. Odubel Herrera 8
4. Aaron Altherr 9
5. Carlos Santana 3
6. Maikel Franco 5
7. Scott Kingery 6
8. Jorge Alfaro 2
9. Zach Eflin 1
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