The Phillies will aim to extend their eight-game winning streak on Tuesday as the club welcomes the Dodgers to Citizens Bank Park to open a three-game set between division leaders.
The Phillies completed a three-game sweep of the Mets on Sunday with Zack Wheeler tossing a complete-game gem, surrendering just two hits on the afternoon. Jean Segura, J.T. Realmuto, and Bryce Harper provided the Phillies offense with three solo homers.
The Phillies will have Aaron Nola on the hill in the series opener. He earned a no-decision in his previous outing, surrendering five runs over five frames in what turned out to be a come-from-behind win for the Phillies over the Nationals.
Nola enters Tuesday with a 3.18 ERA over nine starts this season at Citizens Bank Park.
The Dodgers will counter with newly acquired Max Scherzer making his second start for Los Angeles. The veteran tossed seven strong innings last week against Houston, surrendering two runs. He's already faced the Phillies multiple times this year as a member of the Nationals, going 3-0 with a 1.45 ERA (3 ER/18.2 IP) against the club in 2021.
Ride the Streak
Bryce Harper enters Tuesday with a .302/.413/.570 slash line in 383 plate appearances. The last two Phillies to finish a season with a .300/.400/.500 slash line (min. 500 PA) were Chase Utley in 2007 (.332/.410/.566) and MVP Ryan Howard in 2006 (.313/.425/.659).
Harper has also reached base safely in 17 consecutive games. He's 11-for-30 (.367 AVG) with 11 runs, 5 2B, 4 HR, 7 RBI, 4 BB during the Phils' current winning streak.
On the Mend
Zach Eflin threw a bullpen session on Monday, according to skipper Joe Girardi. There's still no immediate timetable for his return ... Rhys Hoskins is still dealing with a tight left groin, but could be good to play on Wednesday ... Andrew McCutchen could also be back in the lineup tomorrow as he's eligible to come off the Injured List. He had been dealing with left knee inflammation.
Starting Lineup
Herrera 7
Segura 4
Harper 9
Realmuto 2
Miller 3
Gregorius 6
Torreyes 5
Jankowski 8
Nola 1
