Vance Worley To Start Against Astros

Posted By Erik Seybold.

The Phillies are now at a .500 level in the Grapfruit League. After yesterday's, 7-0 shutout win over the Toronto Blue Jays, the Phillies will host the Houston Astros this afternoon. Cliff Lee threw two innings, allowing just two hits, one walk, and a strike out. Along with Lee's efforts, the rest of the Phillies' pitching staff kept the Blue Jays in check,

Today, Vance "Vanimal" Worley (2011: 11-3, 3.01 ERA) will get the nod against the Houston Astros. The 24 year-old Worley will be making his first start since September 21st against the Washington Nationals. Worley was handed the loss, his third of the season, after throwing 6 innings, allowing 4 earned runs on 6 hits, along with 3 walks. Worley has never faced the Astros in his career.

The Astros will send out righthander Bud Norris (2011: 6-11, 3.77 ERA) against the Phillies today. Norris has held the Phillies to a .290 avg, two home runs, and 7 RBI over his career. Five of those seven RBI are off the bat of Ryan Howard, who is still recovering from his Achilles' surgery.

Charlie Manuel will send out this lineup against the Astros this afternoon.

Today's lineup vs. Houston:

1. Jimmy Rollins SS
2. Shane Victorino CF
3. Hunter Pence RF
4. Jim Thome DH
5. John Mayberry Jr. 1B
6. Laynce Nix LF
7. Kevin Frandsen 3B
8. Eric Kratz C
9. Michael Martinez 2B
10. Vance Worley P.

You can catch the game LIVE @ 1:05 PM on TCN this afternoon!

Let's Go Phillies!

Erik Seybold is a Contributor for Philliedelphia. You can follow him on Twitter @ErikSeyboldPHI.