To say the Phillies recent struggles are well-documented is an understatement. With just a single win in June, the team is tied with the Chicago Cubs for the worst record in the National League. Only the Tampa Bay Rays have a worse record in the majors. Those few who still believed this team had a chance at a playoff run are now just hoping for a big return at the trade deadline. But with names like Cliff Lee and Mike Adams on the disabled list, the chances at young prospects flocking to Philly seems to be a long shot. One of the names that could be sent away is A.J. Burnett, and he'll look to improve his game tonight. He'll take on Ian Kennedy and the San Diego Padres.
With 41 so far this season, A.J. Burnett continues to lead the league in walks allowed. He has five more than any other hurler in the National League, and it has led to his inflated stats. Burnett's last appearance came against Washington on June 4th. Through his six innings pitched, the veteran right hander was credited with eight earned runs allowed on ten hits and four walks. The last time Burnett allowed fewer than five earned runs was on May 20th against the Marlins, when Burnett earned his 150th career victory.
Ian Kennedy is on his best streak of the season. He has been victorious in his last three outings after beginning the season 2-6. In his last three games against the Pirates, White Sox, and Cubs, Kennedy has pitched six innings in all, and has only given up a total of four earned runs. Overall this season, Kennedy's FIP is nearly sixty points lower than his ERA, suggesting that the veteran is actually performing better than the naked eye shows.
Phillies Lineup
- Ben Revere CF
- Jimmy Rollins SS
- Chase Utley 2B
- Ryan Howard 1B
- Marlon Byrd RF
- Domonic Brown LF
- Carlos Ruiz C
- Cesar Hernandez 3B
- A.J. Burnett
Padres Lineup
- Will Venable CF
- Everth Cabrera SS
- Seth Smith RF
- Carlos Quentin LF
- Chase Headley 3B
- Yonder Alonso 1B
- Rene Rivera C
- Jace Peterson 2B
- Ian Kennedy P
Location: Citizens Bank Park, Philladelphia, Pennsylvania
Weather: 79°F – Light Rain – 76% PoP
Game Time: 7:05 PM Eastern
Andrew Gillen, Managing Editor of Philliedelphia.com
