In game three of Grapefruit action, Cliff Lee will take the mound for the Phillies back home in Clearwater. The Tigers followed them from Lakeland and will play the Phillies for the second day in a row at 1:05 p.m.. A few interesting notes in today's lineup.
First, Michael Young is batting third and Chase Utley second. It's only the third game of spring but it shows that Phillies manager Charlie Manuel is at least thinking of batting Utley second at least sometime. Tigers starter Drew Smyly is left-handed, though of course he will only pitch an inning or two. Young was a top three-hole hitter in his prime, as was Utley. Perhaps they're both about the same right now and the right-handed bat hitting third ahead of Ryan Howard makes more sense when facing a lefty.
Second, Darin Ruf returns to left field after spending a day as designated hitter. An error in Monday's opener out in left field probably was not the reason; it is apparent that Manuel wants Ruf to get as many opportunities to hit as possible. Ruf is batting fifth, even ahead of 2012 five-hole hitter Carlos Ruiz.
The Tigers' lineup is not as stacked as it was yesterday. Prince Fielder will have the day off. Victor Martinez will play first base. After last year's ACL injury Martinez has probably seen the end of his catching career. He will serve primarily as the team's designated hitter while playing some first base.
Here are today's lineups:
Phillies lineup:
- Yuniesky Betancourt SS
- Chase Utley 2B
- Michael Young 3B
- Ryan Howard 1B
- Darin Ruf LF
- Carlos Ruiz DH
- John Mayberry RF
- Erik Kratz C
- Michael Martinez CF
Cliff Lee pitches first.
Tigers Lineup:
- Austin Jackson, CF
- Torii Hunter, RF
- Miguel Cabrera, 3B
- Victor Martinez, 1B
- Omar Infante, 2B
- Jeff Kobernus, DH
- Nick Castellanos, LF
- Alex Avila, C
- Danny Worth, SS
Drew Smyly pitches first.
TV: The Comcast Network (formerly CN8)
Radio: None
