Cliff Lee Faces Indians For First Time Since Trade, Looks To Cool Down Tribe’s Bats

Photo: Philliedelphia/Lindsey Crew

Yesterday was completely disgusting. Losing 14-2 just about explains itself. The Phillies' pitching got creamed and their offense was unable to come remotely close. The Indians are hot right now. They've scored 33 runs in their last three games and decimated Roy Halladay last night. Tonight the Phillies are looking for a split in this two-game series as Cliff Lee (2-1, 3.03 ERA) and Trevor Bauer (0-1, 5.40 ERA) square off in the finale. It is Cliff Lee's first start against the Indians since being traded in 2009.

Cliff Lee last pitched for the Cleveland Indians on July 26, 2009 against the Seattle Mariners. Lee went seven strong, allowing two earned runs on six hits. Three days later, Lee was traded to the Phillies where he went 7-4 in 12 starts as well as leading the team to a World Series appearance. Four years later it's 2013 and Lee is facing his former team for the first time ever. Lee is coming off of a no-decision outing against the Pirates on Thursday. Allowing three earned runs on a season-high 10 hits through seven innings, Lee left the game with a 3-3 tie that would later on be blown by the bullpen. Over his last three starts, Lee is 0-1 with a 4.74 ERA (10 ER in 19 IP). 

Trevor Bauer will be making the start tonight as a spot starter. Bauer was recalled from Triple-A Columbus yesterday in order to get today's start against Philly. Bauer made one start this year, back on April 6 against Tampa Bay. The righthander allowed three earned on two hits through 5 2/3 innings, taking the loss before being optioned back to Triple-A. Hopefully for the Indians that is what Bauer needed, as he has gone 1-0 with a 2.50 ERA along with 24 strikeouts and 6 walks in 18 innings. This will be Bauer's start against Philly.

Game Notes: 

• Cliff Lee is taking on his former club for the first time in his career.
• Drew Stubbs is hitting a career .455 (5-for-11) with an RBI against Lee.
• Trevor Bauer is a young guy with great stuff, hopefully he doesn't fool the Phils.
• The Indians are once again without high-priced free agents Michael Bourn and Nick Swisher.  (Bourn is on the DL; Swisher is day-to-day).

Phillies lineup:

1. Jimmy Rollins SS
2. Michael Young 3B
3. Chase Utley 2B
4. Ryan Howard 1B
5. Delmon Young DH
6. Domonic Brown LF
7. Carlos Ruiz C
8. Laynce Nix RF
9. Ben Revere CF

Indians lineup:

1. Michael Brantley LF 
2. Jason Kipnis 2B 
3. Asdrubal Cabrera DH 
4. Mark Reynolds 3B 
5. Carlos Santana 1B 
6. Ryan Raburn RF 
7. Mike Aviles SS 
8. Yan Gomes C 
9. Drew Stubbs CF

First Pitch Weather Forecast: Sunny – 70° – 0% PoP.

TV: CSN
Radio: 94 WIP, 1210 WPHT.

Let's Go Fightins!

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