Zack Wheeler to make his Phillies debut
Zack Wheeler will make his Philadelphia debut tonight as the Phillies continue their three-game set with the Marlins at Citizens Bank Park.

Wheeler became a father on Monday when his wife gave birth to Wesley, a healthy baby boy at 7 pounds, 12 ounces.

“I’m happy to be here and I’m happy my son is nice and healthy," Wheeler said. "My wife is, too. Everything is healthy. That’s all I can really ask for. Just two days off of not throwing. Hopefully everything will go well. I feel healthy. I feel in tune. I should be good.”

The Phillies faltered last night in the season opener, falling 5-2 to the Marlins. Aaron Nola looked strong through five innings, but hit some bumps in the sixth and the bullpen couldn't hold things together.

Didi Gregorius provided the lone highlight for the Phils, hitting a homer and collecting two of the club's five hits on the night.

"It's not how you want to start," manager Joe Girardi said last night. "Everyone wants to win that first game and continue to roll. We just have to bounce back tomorrow."

The Phillies' struggles against the Marlins are well documented, having lost 10 of their 19 contests against the Fish last year.

The Marlins send lefty Caleb Smith to the mound tonight. He posted a 3.60 ERA in three starts last season against the Phils.

Today's starting lineup
McCutchen 7
Hoskins 3
Harper 9
Realmuto 2
Segura 5
Gregorius 6
Kingery 4
Gosselin DH
Quinn 8
Wheeler RHP
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BY PATRICK GORDON
Managing Editor
pgordon@philadelphiabaseballreview.com

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