Aaron Cook, Phillies Take On Wei-Yin Chen, Orioles In Saturday Afternoon Matchup

The Phillies certainly won in dramatic fashion yesterday with Darin Ruf's walkoff home run over Atlanta. Coincidentally, Ruf was informed that he was being optioned to AAA after the game. Ruf hit .246 (14-for-57) with six doubles, two home runs and nine RBIs in 19 Grapefruit League games, but his defense was attrocious. 

Ruben Amaro even stated that if Ruf's defense had been stronger, he would still be in camp.

“Oh yeah,” he said. “We think he’s a good hitter. He can hit. … I think he’s going to be able to be adequate at some point in left field. We’ve only given him, what? Two months of professional time? That is why experience means something." Amaro continued, "He’s only played one month of professional baseball in left field. In our situation, where defense is very important to us, it’s tough to put him in a situation to let him struggle through that. He needs reps. He’s got to play.”

Today, Aaron Cook (0-0, 3.21 ERA) will make his third start of the spring. In Cook's last start, a three-inning outing against Atlanta, the right-hander surrendered three runs (two earned) on four hits. Cook also managed to strike out a batter and walk a batter. It seems likely that Cook could be a contender for the bullpen and even a spot in the rotation in the event where he is needed. The 11-year veteran has allowed just five earned runs over 12 innings of work this spring. 

Opposing Cook and the Fightins will be Wei-Yin Chen (1-0, 2.08 ERA). Chen will be making his first appearance since March 8, when he started against the Pittsburgh Pirates. In that start, Chen threw 2 1/3 innings, allowing an two runs, one earned, on one hit. Chen is looking to improve from his rookie year. Last year, Chen went 12-11 with a 4.02 ERA. With a spot in the Oriole's rotation, Chen will seek to push the Orioles far into the season as they compete in the newly-bulked American League East.

Game Notes:

• Ben Revere will be leading off while Jimmy Rollins hits second today as well as tomorrow.
• Aaron Cook posted a .373 BAA against the Orioles last season with the Boston Red Sox
• Ender Inciarte is hitting .238 (5-for-21) with one double, three walks and six strikeouts this spring.

Phillies lineup:

1. Ben Revere C
2. Jimmy Rollins SS
3. Chase Utley 2B
4. Ryan Howard 1B
5. Michael Young 3B
6. Domonic Brown RF
7. John Mayberry LF
8. Stephen Lerud C
9. Aaron Cook P
   

Orioles lineup:

Wei-Yen Chen starts

TV: MLBNetwork(Delay)
Radio: 94 WIP