Cliff Lee Takes the Mound Against Braves

After playing to a tie yesterday against the Twins, the Phillies (2-8-2) and the Braves play each other just five days after playing to a 2-2 tie themselves. Yesterday, the offense again struggled to find any sort of consistency, going hitless until the sixth inning. Today, the Phillies lineup has a majority of regulars penciled in, so we should hopefully get a good preview of what this offense can do after 12 games of Spring Training.

Taking the mound today for the Phillies is Cliff Lee, who will make his third start of the spring. In two outings thus far, Lee has thrown five innings and given up two runs while striking out five. In his last game, March 4th, against Toronto, Lee pitched three innings, gave up a run and struck out two. The Phillies ace has yet to walk a batter this spring.

Mario Hollands, Jonathan Papelbon, Ken Giles and Justin De Fratus are also scheduled to pitch for the Phillies.

The Braves counter with Brandon Beachy, also making his third start of the spring. Beachy's second start was against the Phillies in the 2-2 tie. Beachy pitched three no-hit innings against the Phillies last Tuesday. Beachy is coming back from shoulder surgery in 2013 that limited him to just five starts.

Game Notes:

• Carlos Ruiz is off to a good start this spring, hitting .385 (5-for-13) with two homers and six RBI's. 
• Darin Ruf also has six RBI's on the season to go along with two home runs. He is hitting .280 (7-for-25).
• Slated to pitch today is Phillies closer, Jonathan Papelbon. He has tossed two scoreless innings this spring and has given up just one hit while striking out two.

Lineups:

Phillies Lineup:

1. Ben Revere CF
2. Jimmy Rollins SS
3. Chase Utley 2B
4. Marlon Byrd RF
5. Ryan Howard 1B
6. Carloz Ruiz C
7. Domonic Brown LF
8. Bobby Abreu DH
9. Maikel Franco 3B

Cliff Lee is the Phillies starter for today's game.

Braves Lineup:

1. Jason Heyward RF
2. BJ Upton CF
3. Freddie Freeman 1B
4. Justin Upton LF
5. Ryan Doumit DH
6. Chris Johnson 3B
7. Dan Uggla 2B
8. Gerald Laird C
9. Tyler Greene SS

Brandon Beachy is the Braves starter for today's game.

First Pitch: 1:05 PM ET
Location: Bright House Field, Clearwater, Florida
Weather: 68° – Sunny – 0% Precip
TV: CSN 

Brandon Apter is a writer for Philliedelphia. Follow him on Twitter @ApterShock