Split Squad Edition: Phillies Host Blue Jays In Clearwater, Take On Astros In Kissimmee

(Photo: Frank Klose/Philliedelphia.com)

The Phillies were roughed up by the Blue Jays yesterday 11-6 after two days off of baseball. Roberto Hernandez was hit hard for seven earned runs on 11 hits in 3 2/3 innings yesterday. Ben Revere drove in three runs for the Phillies yesterday and Cody Asche hit a solo homer in the fourth to highlight the offense. 

Today the Phillies will split their team in two and send one half to Kissimmee, Florida to take on the Astros while the other half stays home to play host to the Blue Jays.

Phillies @ Astros:

Jeff Manship will start today's game for the Phillies in Kissimmee. The right hander has been attempting to secure himself a spot in the rotation this spring, and he hasn't failed to impress the organization. In 11 innings pitched over 4 games (2 starts), Manship is 0-0, 2.45 ERA with 9K against 1 BB. In his last start, against the Pirates last Friday, Manship held the Pirates to two earned runs on six hits in four innings while striking out three. Manship will make his third start today as he continues to try to make the starting rotation.

Lucas Harrell will be on the mound for the Astros today. In four starts this spring, Harrell has struggled with his command and prevention of base runners. With a 10.13 ERA in 10.2 IP (12 ER) and just three strike outs against five walks, Harrell is looking to improve and he has some room. In his last start, against the Tigers, Harrell was hit for nine earned runs on 11 hits in just an inning and two thirds. He has not pitched against the Phillies this spring.

Lineups @ Kissimmee:

Phillies:

1. Ben Revere CF
2. Ronny Cedeno SS
3. Darin Ruf LF
4. Ryan Howard 1B
5. Bobby Abreu RF
6. Cameron Rupp C
7. Cody Asche 3B
8. Cesar Hernandez 2B
9. Reid Brignac DH

Jeff Manship will start against the Astros today.

Astros:

The Astros did not provide lineup at time of publish.

Lucas Harrell will start against the Phillies today.

First Pitch: 1:05 PM ET
Location: Osceola County Stadium, Kissimmee, Florida
Weather: 79° – Partly Cloudy – 0% Precip
TV: None

Blue Jays @ Phillies

95 miles back home, the other half of the Phillies will host the Blue Jays. David Buchanan will make his third start of the spring today, his first against the Blue Jays. In three games (two starts), Buchanan has pitched six innings and has allowed just one earned run. With a good shot of making the Phillies' bullpen, Buchanan will continue to look to impress on the mound. In his last time out, against the Braves on Tuesday, Buchanan tossed three scoreless innings – allowing one hit, one walk and struck out three.

Esmil Rogers will start today's game for the Blue Jays, making his third start in five games this spring. In his last time out, vs the Astros, Rogers was hit for four earned runs over three innings and took the loss. His first game of the spring, was against the Phillies, where he allowed two earned runs in an inning back on February 27th. 

Lineups @ Clearwater:

Phillies lineup: 

1. Jimmy Rollins SS
2. Tony Gwynn Jr. CF
3. Chase Utley 2B
4. Marlon Byrd RF
5. Carlos Ruiz C
6. Kevin Frandsen 1B
7. John Mayberry Jr. LF
8. Maikel Franco 3B
9. David Buchanan P

Blue Jays lineup:

1. Jose Reyes SS
2. Melky Cabrera LF
3. Jose Bautista RF
4. Edwin Encarnacion 1B
5. Moises Sierra CF
6. Erik Kratz C
7. Ryan Goins 2B
8. Munenori Kawasaki 3B
9. Esmil Rogers P

First Pitch: 1:05 PM ET
Location: Bright House Field, Clearwater, Florida
Weather: 77° – Partly Cloudy – 0% Precip
TV: TCN

Erik Seybold is a writer for Philliedelphia.com. Follow him on Twitter @ErikSeyboldPHI.