The Phillies open a pivotal four-game series in New York on Friday with a doubleheader against the Mets at Citi Field. The Phils currently trail the Mets in the National League by four games.
The Phillies had multiple leads on Wednesday against the Nationals, but Hector Neris blew his third save in five opportunities in a 13-12 loss. When asked if Neris would remain the closer, manager Joe Girardi refused to give a straight answer.
“I’ll take an off-day and think about it,” Girardi said. “I think that’s what you do. You’re always re-evaluating. You take an off-day and look at it.”
The Phillies head to New York with the fourth-fewest wins on the road in the National League. The club will head to Cincinnati following their set in the Big Apple for a makeup game against the Reds. It's an important five games for a club grasping for an identity.
“I don’t want to ever think that we’re out of anything,” Bryce Harper said following Wednesday's loss. “You can flip a switch real quick and win nine of 10. We’re in that moment where we need to do that and start winning games on the road. Start winning games at home. Start winning games that we’re supposed to win. And not lose games that we’re not supposed to lose. I know teams struggle at times and we’re going to struggle at times … but we can’t afford to do that at this given time.”
Aaron Nola will start Game 1 of the twinbill. He lasted just 2 1/3 innings in his previous start in San Francisco, surrendering six runs while issuing three walks. The Mets counter with right-hander Taijuan Walker.
The Phillies will turn to Matt Moore in Game 2. The veteran has dealt with injuries this year and last appeared in a game with the Phillies on May 20. He has a 7.39 ERA on the season over 18 1/3 innings. The Mets will go with left-hander David Peterson.
Roster Moves
The Phillies added hurler Enyel De Los Santos as the 27th man for the doubleheader. The club also designated reliever David Hale for assignment, placed reliever Sean Coonrod on the injured list with right forearm tendinitis, recalled infielder Nick Maton, and promoted veteran righty Neftali Perez.
Hale posted a 6.41 ERA over 17 appearances this year with the Phillies.
On the Mend
Reliever Brandon Kintzler will begin a rehab assignment with Lehigh Valley on Friday. He's been out since early June dealing with a neck strain. Matt Joyce will also begin a rehab assignment tonight, though he'll be with Clearwater. He's been out since late May with a lowert back strain.
