Friday night will feature two of baseball's best pitchers as Zack Wheeler will face the Nationals and Max Scherzer at Citizens Bank Park.
Wheeler struck out a career-high in his last start, whiffing 14 on Saturday against the Rays. It was his third consecutive start with at least ten strikeouts, putting him in some elite company as Steve Carlton and Curt Schilling are the only other hurlers in franchise history to collect at least ten strikeouts over three consecutive starts.
Wheeler enters tonight with a 4-2 mark to go along with a 2.52 ERA.
Scherzer has put together a similar campaign, posting a 2.34 ERA over 11 starts. He's also dominated over his career in Philadelphia, posting a 2.63 ERA in eight starts at Citizens Bank Park.
The Phillies enter play three games below .500 and four behind the New York Mets in the NL East. The Nationals are in last place in the NL East, six games off the pace.
On the Mend
Bryce Harper and Didi Gregorius remain sidelined with forearm issues. Harper is dealing with a left forearm contusion and was placed on the 10-day IL on May 23 while Gregorius is battling with swelling and an elbow impingement. Both took swings today and are progressing according to skipper Joe Girardi, but there's no specific date for either to return.
On the Farm
Adam Haseley went 1-for-3 last night with Triple-A Lehigh Valley. It was his first baseball game action since taking leave and being placed on the restricted list on April 14.
Tonight's Lineup
Herrera 8
Segura 4
Hoskins 3
Realmuto 2
Miller 9
McCutchen 7
Bohm 5
Torreyes 6
Wheeler 1