David Buchanan Takes On Pirates as Phils Look To Tie Up Series

Yesterday's series opener against the Pirates is one to forget. The Phils were out hit 13-2 and were outscored 8-2 to suffer their 49th loss. Falling to 12 games under .500, the Phillies have hit rock bottom. With 27 days left until the trade deadline, the Phillies will soon be (and hopefully) talking trades. Today the Phillies will send out David Buchanan (4-4, 4.86 ERA) against Edison Volquez (6-6, 4.07 ERA) in game two.

David Buchanan lost his last time out, against the Braves on Sunday. The rookie allowed three runs through five innings while walking a career-high five batters. Buchanan has struggled immensely with command his last two times out as he has walked nine in 10 innings. On a positive note, in his last four starts, Buchanan has allowed three or fewer runs and has a 3.65 ERA in that span. This will be Buchanan's first career start against the Pirates.

Edison Volquez has been solid his last two times out after being shelled for eight runs in just two innings back on June 18th. His last time out, a win against the Mets, Volquez allowed eight hits through six scoreless frames. Volquez also walked one and struck out seven.  Over Volquez's last 10 starts, he is 5-3 with a 4.01 ERA and has struck out 42 batters. In his career against the Phillies, Volquez is 3-1 with a 1.85 ERA.

Game Notes: 

• Domonic Brown is in today's starting lineup after pinch hitting yesterday in his return from paternity leave.
• In his career against Volquez, Marlon Byrd is hitting .286 with just one RBI.
• Andrew McCutchen came within a home run of hitting for the cycle yesterday afternoon.

Today's Lineups:

Phillies lineup:

1. Ben Revere CF
2. Jimmy Rollins SS
3. Chase Utley 2B
4. Ryan Howard 1B
5. Marlon Byrd RF
6. Cody Asche 3B
7. Domonic Brown LF
8. Cameron Rupp C
9. David Buchanan P.

Pirates lineup:

1. Gregory Polanco RF
2. Starling Marte LF
3. Andrew McCutchen CF
4. Ike Davis 1B
5. Josh Harrison 2B
6. Pedro Alvarez 3B
7. Jordy Mercer SS
8. Chris Stewart C
9. Edison Volquez P.

First Pitch: 4:05 PM ET
Location: PNC Park, Pittsburgh, PA
Weather: 80° – Sunny – 0% Precip
TV: NBC 10

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