Phillies & Marlins series preview, pitching matchups

The Phillies return from a challenging 4-6 stretch on a 10-game road trip against the Mariners, Dodgers, and D-backs. Despite their recent struggles, the Braves have faltered similarly, losing seven of their last ten games, allowing the Phillies to maintain a 7 1/2 game lead in the division as they aim to regain their form. 

 

Where: Citizens Bank Park, Tuesday and Wednesday.

 

Pitching matchups and start times: RHP Taijuan Walker (3-3, 5.60) vs. TBD on Tuesday at 6:40 p.m. RHP Tyler Phillips (4-1, 4.83) vs. TBD on Wednesday at 6:40 p.m.

 

Series: The Phillies lead the season series, 4-3. The Phillies also lead the all-time series, 283-239.

Marlins Update (44-75): Jake Burger has been hot at the plate, clubbing a league-leading 12 homers since the All-Star break. This Marlins club will look a lot different than the last time it faced the Phillies as center fielder Jazz Chisholm Jr., closer Tanner Scott, outfielder Bryan De La Cruz, first baseman Josh Bell and starting pitcher Trevor Rogers have all been dealt away.  The Fish come to Philly after finishing a 2-5 homestand.

 

Phillies Update (69-49): Since returning from London, the Phillies have struggled, posting a 24-30 record. But this week offers a crucial opportunity to right the ship as they return to Citizens Bank Park, where they’ve excelled with a 38-21 record. They'll host the Marlins for a two-game series before a four-game set with the Nationals—teams that are a combined 42 games below .500. 

 

The Phillies claimed right-handed pitcher Kyle Tyler off waivers from Miami on Sunday, assigning him to Triple-A Lehigh Valley and designating right-hander Nick Nelson for assignment to make room for Tyler on the 40-man roster. Tyler, 27, was in his first season with the Marlins and worked mostly as a starter, posting a 0-2 record with a 5.40 ERA in eight games (seven starts), fanning 25 batters while walking 18 over 31⅔ innings. He is 1-2 with a 4.31 ERA across 15 career games (seven starts).

Notable Injuries: Marlins -- C Nick Fortes (quad), OF Dane Myers (ankle), SP Braxton Garrett (forearm), SP Jesus Luzardo (back), SP Sixto Sanchez (shoulder), and SP Eury Perez (elbow) are on the injured list.

 

Phillies -- OF Austin Hays (hamstring), RHP Spencer Turnbull (shoulder), RHP Taijuan Walker (finger), SP Ranger Suarez (back), and RHP Dylan Covey (shoulder) are on the injured list. 

Next: The Phillies will host the Nationals for a four-game set starting on Thursday.