Ryan Howard Sits Again As Giants And Phillies Play Matinee In South Philly

Photo: Philliedelphia/Frank Klose

The big story in today's game is not who is playing, but who is not playing.  For the second game in a row, Phillies first baseman Ryan Howard will be on the bench.  While Howard had previously sat seven other games, all of those appearances came against left-handed pitchers.   For the first time, Howard is sitting against right-handed pitcher Tim Hudson.  Howard has stunning career numbers against Hudson: Todd Zolecki of MLB.com points out that Howard has hit .328 with 7 homers, 17 RBIs and a 1.112 OPS in 67 at bats – not a small sample size.  But, that was the Howard of yesteryear, and Howard's future with the team is in doubt.

Hudson is in his first year with the San Francisco Giants after nine seasons with the Atlanta Braves.  While many questioned if Hudson had anything left in the tank as he headed across the country to return to the Bay Area, Hudson has been effective for the Giants.   In 19 starts for the Giants, Hudson is 8-6 with a 2.78 earned run average.   Hudson is particularly effective against right-handed hitters (.228 average), so the Phillies' lefties will look to get to Hudson (.278 average).

Cole Hamels is coming off of one of his best performances, Saturday night in Atlanta.  Hamels went seven innings against the Braves, allowing one earned run while striking out nine.   This start will be Hamels' last start before the July 31 trade deadline.  Will it affect Hamels' performance knowing this could be his last home start as a Phillie?  While this may be Hamels' best season in the major leagues, Hamels' success may continue to be moot, if the Phillies are unable to score any runs.

Game Notes:

• Hunter Pence remains red hot against his former team.  Pence is hitting .412 with a home run and six RBI against the Phillies this season.  Last night's bases-clearing double gave the Giants the lead.
• Carlos Ruiz gets the day off today, a day game after a night game.  Wil Nieves gets his first start since returning from the disabled list.
• Grady Sizemore is in the lineup again after his first day off since joining the Phillies.  He will be in left field in place of Domonic Brown.

Today's Lineups:

Phillies lineup:

1. Ben Revere CF
2. Jimmy Rollins SS
3. Chase Utley 2B
4. Marlon Byrd RF
5. Grady Sizemore LF
6. Darin Ruf 1B
7. Cody Asche 3B
8. Wil Nieves C
9. Cole Hamels P

Giants lineup:

1. Hunter Pence RF
2. Ehire Adrianza 2B
3. Buster Posey C
4. Pablo Sandoval 3B
5. Michael Morse LF
6. Adam Duvall 1B
7. Joaquin Arias SS
8. Gregor Blanco CF
9. Tim Hudson P

First Pitch: 1:05 PM ET
Location: Citizens Bank Park, Philadelphia, PA.
Weather: 83° – humid – 20% Precip
TV: CSN