Hellickson starts, Joseph debuts as Phillies host Reds

 By: Kevin Durso, editorial assistant 

PHILADELPHIA, Pa. — After a 5-5 road trip, the Phillies (20-15) get to play the next nine games from the comforts of home. On the road trip, the Phillies were outscored 44-33, despite winning half of the games, so perhaps a trip home can help get the bats going.

In an effort to do that, the Phillies have called up hot-hitting first baseman Tommy Joseph from Triple-A Lehigh Valley and he will make his major-league debut on Friday night as the Phillies host the Cincinnati Reds (14-20).

On the mound, the Phillies give the ball to Jeremy Hellickson. First pitch is set for 7:05 p.m.


Starting Pitching Matchup:

Cincinnati Reds (14-20) Philadelphia Phillies (20-15)
LHP Brandon Finnegan RHP Jeremy Hellickson
(1-1, 4.15 ERA) (2-2, 4.91 ERA)

Hellickson took a no-decision in his last start, allowing three runs on eight hits in 5 1/3 innings to the Marlins in an eventual 4-3 Phillies win. Hellickson has just two starts of six innings or more this season, including a six-inning start on Opening Day against the Reds where he allowed one unearned run on three hits. In two career starts against the Reds, Hellickson is 0-1 with a 2.25 ERA. 

Finnegan has struggled lately, with the Reds losing each of his last four starts. Finnegan has only factored into the decision one time, but has allowed three runs in each of the last four starts. Finnegan faced the Phillies on April 6, allowing two runs on three hits in six innings in a no-decision. 


Starting Lineups:

Cincinnati Reds (14-20) Philadelphia Phillies (20-15)
  Position Player Bats   Position Player Bats
1 SS Zack Cozart R 1 CF Odubel Herrera L
2 3B Eugenio Suarez R 2 2B Cesar Hernandez S
3 1B Joey Votto L 3 3B Maikel Franco R
4 2B Brandon Phillips R 4 C Carlos Ruiz R
5 RF Jay Bruce L 5 SS Freddy Galvis S
6 LF Adam Duvall R 6 1B Tommy Joseph R
7 CF Tyler Holt R 7 LF Tyler Goeddel R
8 C Tucker Barnhart S 8 P Jeremy Hellickson R
9 P Brandon Finnegan R 9 RF Peter Bourjos R


Broadcast Information:

  • First pitch: 7:05 p.m.
  • TV: CSN
  • Radio: SportsRadio 94 WIP

Game Notes:

  • Tommy Joseph makes his major-league debut on Friday. Joseph was hitting .347 with seven doubles, six home runs and 17 RBI in 27 games at Triple-A Lehigh Valley prior to his call-up
  • The Phillies have lost seven straight games against the Reds dating back to June 4, 2015. The Phillies were swept by the Reds to open the season from April 4-7.
  • The Phillies enter Friday's game with a 3-7 record against the NL Central. Against the rest of the NL, the Phillies are 14-8.

What's Next:

  • Saturday, May 14, 2016: vs. Cincinnati Reds, 7:05 p.m.
    • Philadelphia, Pa. - Citizens Bank Park  
    • RHP Aaron Nola (2-2, 3.13 ERA) vs. RHP Tim Adleman (1-0, 2.45 ERA)
    • TV: CSN; Radio: SportsRadio 94 WIP
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