John Lannan Opens Up Series Against Dan Haren, Nationals

After a complete blow out win over the Cubs yesterday afternoon, the Phillies finally showed some life. Although it may be about 20 games too late, the Phillies played some good ball yesterday. Hopefully it will kick start something out of them. Tonight the Phillies will open up a three-game weekend series against the Washington Nationals. John Lannan (3-4, 4.10 ERA) and Dan Haren (6-11, 5.14 ERA) will get the nod in the opener.

John Lannan is coming off of a no-decision against the Braves last Saturday. The lefthander threw on three days' rest Saturday and went 4 1/3 innings, allowing four runs – two earned – on four hits. In his start prior, Lannan went seven deep while allowing three earned against the Giants to earn his third win of the year. Over his last three starts, Lannan has a 5.28 ERA along with six strike outs and walks. He will look to take advantage of his six days' rest as he takes on the Nationals for the third time this season. In two career starts against his former team, Lannan is 1-0 with a 1.38 ERA.

Dan Haren is coming off of a quality start against the Brewers last Saturday. Haren quieted the Brew Crew and held them to four hits over seven scoreless frames. Striking out six and walking two, the veteran right hander won his sixth decision of the year. Haren has been solid over his last two starts, allowing one earned run over fourteen innings. Tonight will be Haren's fourth start against Philadelphia this season. He is 0-1 with a 4.76 ERA this year and is 0-4 with a 5.54 ERA lifetime. 

Game Notes: 

• The Phillies designated OF Delmon Young for assignment this afternoon.
• Charlie Manuel is one win shy from his 1,000th career win with the Phillies.
• Dan Haren's teams are 0-7 all time when he pitches against the Phillies.

Phillies lineup:

1. Jimmy Rollins SS
2. Michael Young 1B
3. Chase Utley 2B
4. Domonic Brown LF
5. Darin Ruf RF
6. Cody Asche 3B
7. Carlos Ruiz C
8. Michael Martinez CF
9. John Lannan P

Nationals lineup:

1. Denard Span CF 
2. Ryan Zimmerman 3B 
3. Bryce Harper LF 
4. Jayson Werth RF 
5. Ian Desmond SS 
6. Wilson Ramos C 
7. Chad Tracy 1B 
8. Anthony Rendon 2B 
9. Dan Haren P

First Pitch Forecast: Partly Cloudy – 82° – 0% PoP

TV: myPHL17, MLB Network
Radio: 1210 WPHT, 94 WIP, WTTM 1680 

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