Wins and losses aren't really a big concern here in Spring Training. Run scoring? Well, that is another story. The Phillies, at 1-4, have struggled to score in the last two games with just one run in the last 18 innings. Yesterday, we saw A.J. Burnett make his Phillies debut and he looked solid. Over his two innings, he gave up a hit and a run while also fanning one Pirates batter. Jonathan Papelbon and and Jake Diekman both threw scoreless frames while Jesse Biddle gave up two runs in two innings, but struck out two as well.
Today, we get a second look at offseason acquisition Roberto Hernandez (0-1, 9.00). He struggled in his debut this spring, giving up two runs on four hits in two innings of work againt the Blue Jays. Hernandez faces his former team today in the Rays. Last season in Tampa Bay, Hernandez went 6-13 with a 4.89 ERA. In addition to seeing Hernandez, the Phillies will send Jeff Manship, Phillippe Aumont, Justin DeFratus and Mike Stutes to the hill.
Taking the mound for the first time this spring for the Rays (1-1) is ace, Matt Moore. Last season, the Tampa Bay lefty went 17-4 and posted a 3.29 ERA. After Moore, the Rays will work-in Heath Bell, Josh Lueke, Kirby Yates, Victor Mateo, Merrill Kelly and Brandon Gomes.
Game Notes:
- Five games into spring training, the Phillies as a team are hitting just .192
- Ben Revere hits lead-off today. In three games this spring, he is hitting .444
- After getting hit by a pitch in the hand yesterday, Cody Asche said he feels alright. A preliminary ultrasound showed no break. Maikel Franco gets the start at third.
- John Mayberry has three hits in his first five spring at-bats, including a homer. He hits sixth in the lineup today.
- Ben Zobrist gets his first action for the spring today as he hits lead-off for the Rays.
Lineups
Phillies Lineup:
- Ben Revere CF
- Andres Blanco 2B
- Domonic Brown LF
- Maikel Franco 3B
- Darin Ruf 1B
- John Mayberry DH
- Leandro Castro RF
- Ronny Cedeno SS
- Wil Nieves C
Roberto Hernandez takes the mound for the Phillies today.
Rays Lineup
- Ben Zobrist 2B
- Desmond Jennings CF
- Evan Longoria 3B
- Matt Joyce LF
- Wil Myers RF
- Vince Belnome DH
- Ryan Hanigan C
- Logan Forsythe 1B
- Jayson Nix SS
Matt Moore starts today for the Rays.
First pitch: 1:05 PM ET
Location: Charlotte Sports Park, Port Charlotte, Florida
Weather: 76 degrees – Sunny – 0% Precip
TV: N/A
Radio: MLB.com
Brandon Apter is a writer for Philliedelphia. Follow him on Twitter @ApterShock
