It’s the middle of July. The All-Star break is in the rearview mirror. And the Phillies? They’re clinging to a half-game lead over the Mets in the NL East and just trying to shake off a weekend they’d probably rather forget.
After dropping two of three to the Angels, including an 8–2 thud on Sunday, the Phillies open a three-game set Monday night at Citizens Bank Park against the Boston Red Sox — a team with a few problems of its own.
So here comes Zack Wheeler. One of the steadiest aces in baseball. One of the leading contenders for the NL Cy Young. And, as of today, one very well-rested right-hander.
Wheeler (9–3, 2.36 ERA) skipped last week’s All-Star Game to rest up for the second half. His last outing — a July 12 loss to San Diego — was, by his own admission, a little rough around the edges: six innings, six hits, four runs, and more frustration than usual.
He's posted a 1.37 ERA over his last seven starts to go along with a 0.76 WHIP.
The same can’t quite be said for Boston’s starter, Walker Buehler. Once an October staple for the Dodgers, Buehler (6–6, 6.12 ERA) has been trying to reinvent himself this season in a Red Sox uniform. He posted an ERA north of 11.00 in June. And yet, there’s been a glimmer of hope in July: five solid innings against the Nationals, six more respectable frames against the Rays. Just enough to make you wonder if something’s starting to click.
As for Boston, the Red Sox are five games back in the AL East and come to Philly after salvaging their series in Chicago with a 6–1 win on Sunday.
The Phillies, meanwhile, are hoping their offense shows up with a bit more spark than it did in the series finale versus the Angels. Otto Kemp’s solo shot was one of just six hits for the Phils on Sunday, and the bats have been looking for a jolt ever since they returned from the break - six homers in three games, but hitting just .229 as a team.
Let’s play three.
Let’s play three.
Pitching Matchups
Monday: RHP Zack Wheeler (9-3, 2.36) vs. RHP Walker Buehler (6-6, 6.12)
Tuesday: LHP Cristopher Sanchez (8-2, 2.50) vs. RHP Richard Fitts (1-3, 4.28)
Wednesday: LHP Jesus Luzardo (8-5, 4.29) vs. RHP Lucas Giolito (6-2, 3.59)
Bullpen Addition
The Phillies made it official on Monday, announcing the signing of reliever David Robertson. The righty will report to triple-A Lehigh Valley where he'll ramp up for two weeks before joining the bullpen. It's a low risk, potentially high reward move that gives skipper Rob Thomson a veteran arm with postseason experience.
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