Domonic Brown On The Bench, Hamels On The Mound As Phillies Seek Series Split

In his previous two starts, A.J. Burnett had been able to limit the number of walks he allowed to opposing lineups, no doubt improving his ability to provide quality starts. Last night, though, Burnett gave up another three free passes, placing him back in the lead in that category in the National League. The Phillies may have been able to still win the game despite the walks, but yet another misplayed ball by Domonic Brown in left field cost the team some runs. Brown's reputation continues to fall at incredibly high speeds, and fans are begging to get fed up with his performance. With Grady Sizemore heading to Lehigh Valley, Brown's time with the major league club could be coming to an end as Brown will sit tonight.   Nonetheless, there is a game to be played this evening, and it features the Phillies' best starting pitcher of late, Cole Hamels.

As a matter of fact, Hamels has been one of the best starting pitchers in the National League the last thirty days. He ranks fourth in total WAR and third in ERA in the NL in that time span, and has a better HR/9 (home runs per nine innings pitched) than all but one pitcher (Henderson Alvarez). And yet, of the top eleven pitchers in the NL in the last thirty days, ranked by WAR, Hamels is the only one with just a single victory. It's indicative of not only the noteworty season Cole is putting together, but the lack of support the Phillies provide when their All-Star caliber lefty is on the mound. With just three total earned runs allowed in his last four starts, Hamels sets out to equal, or improve upon, the starts he made against the Marlins on May 22nd. In seven innings on that day, Hollywood gave up three earned runs, a walk and a home run in a no decision.

Standing in on the bump for Miami is third-year pitcher Tom Koehler. Koehler has not yet played against the Phillies this season, but has put together seven starts against the National League East. He's gathered 46.1 innings against the Nationals (twice), Braves (twice), and Mets (thrice). In those innings, Koehler is 1-4 with thirteen earned runs allowed (good for an ERA of just 2.37), 37 strike outs, 21 walks, and 29 hits against. Koehler has one career start against Philadelphia, which came in June of last season. In five innings, he earned the loss with five runs allowed. He also has two relief appearances against the Phillies.

Game Notes

• After last night's left field adventure, Domonic Brown sits.   Of the 64 qualified outfielders in the entire league, Domonic Brown ranks dead last with a WAR of -1.1. His 0.271 OBP is good for 61st overall, exactly where his SLG of .322 ranks as well. Thankfully, his 38 RBIs do rank him inside the top 25.
• After going fifteen straight games with a single hit recorded, Jimmy Rollins went hitless against St. Louis on June 22nd. Since that game, J-Roll is 5-for-13 with a couple of stolen bases and a double.
• Despite going 6-4 in their last ten contests, the Phillies sit six games back of first place in the NL East. They're 17-23 in Citizens Bank Park this season. Only one team in the majors (Arizona) has fewer wins at home.
• RHP Tom Koehler (5-6, 3.74) of the Marlins has only ever faced Chase Utley once, but Ben Revere is 3-8 against the RHP.  
• Tonight's Phils' lineup has an average batting average of .261 this season; the Marlins' lineup has an average of .226.
• Giancarlo Stanton has hit 10-38 against Hamels in his career.  
• Lefty reliever Mario Hollands holds the current franchise record for most consecutive scoreless outings for a rookie with 17.
• There is a giant Phanatic sand castle on display at Citizens Bank Park tonight. Tonight is XFINITY Fireworks Show #1, following the game.

Phillies Lineup

1. Ben Revere CF
2. Jimmy Rollins SS
3. Chase Utley 2B
4. Ryan Howard 1B
5. Marlon Byrd LF
6. Cody Asche 3B
7. Carlos Ruiz C
8. John Mayberry Jr. LF
9. Cole Hamels P

Marlins Lineup

1. Jake Marisnick CF
2. Ed Lucas SS
3. Giancarlo Stanton RF
4. Casey McGehee 3B
5. Marcell Ozuna LF
6. Jeff Baker 1B
7. Jarrod Saltalamacchia C
8. Donovan Solano 2B
9. Henderson Alvarez P

Location: Citizens Bank Park, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Game Time: 7:05 PM Eastern
Weather: 84°F – Partly Cloudy – 14% PoP

Andrew Gillen, Managing Editor of Philliedelphia.com