(Photo: Frank Klose/Philliedelphia.com)
The Phillies didn't lose yesterday, but they didn't win either. After tying the Braves 2-2 in nine innings yesterday the Phils became 1-6-1 on the spring, as did the Braves. The Phillies nearly hung on to a 2-1 lead, but were unable to do so. Today they split it up as one half takes on the Tigers in Lakeland and the other hosts the Yankees in Clearwater.
Phillies @ Tigers:
The Phillies and Tigers will meet today in a split squad match up – their second of the spring. Last time these two met the Phillies routed them 10-6.
This afternoon, Dave Buchanan (0-0, 0.00 ERA in 2 IP) will get the nod against the Tigers. Back on March 1st, the 24-year-old Buchanan tossed two scoreless innings against the Yankees, allowing just one hit while striking out three. With Buchanan looking to make a name for himself this spring and push for a possible bullpen spot, consistency is a key.
Justin Verlander (2013: 13-12, 3.46 ERA) will be making his first start of the spring this afternoon against Philadelphia. Back in January, Verlander underwent core muscle repair surgery after injuring himself during offseason conditioning. Although his surgery went well and he has felt confident after live practice and simulated games, Verlander may not be able to start today if weather permits.
Weather surrounding Lakeland today could put a halt on this game.
Phillies Lineup:
- Ben Revere CF
- Jimmy Rollins SS
- Bobby Abreu RF
- Darin Ruf 1B
- Maikel Franco DH
- Cody Asche 3B
- Tony Gwynn LF
- Cesar Hernandez 2B
- Wil Nieves C
David Buchanan will start today's game against Detroit.
Tigers lineup:
- Rajai Davis LF
- Torii Hunter RF
- Miguel Cabrera 1B
- Victor Martinez DH
- Ian Kinsler 2B
- Alex Avila C
- Austin Jackson CF
- Steve Lombardozzi 3B
- Jose Iglesias SS
Justin Verlander will start today's game against Philadelphia.
First Pitch: 1:05 PM ET
Location: Joker Marchant Stadium, Lakeland, Florida
Weather: 73° – Thunderstorms – 100% Precip
TV: None
Yankees @ Phillies:
In the other split squad game, the Phillies will host the Yankees at Bright House Field. On the mound for Philadelphia will be Kyle Kendrick (0-0, 13.50 ERA) and on the mound for New York will be Mashahiro Tanaka (0-0, 0.00 ERA in 2 IP).
Kyle Kendrick was roughed up last Friday against Detroit, giving up three runs on two hits and three walks in two innings pitched. Kendrick's control was a big factor in his struggles last Friday, but slowing down the game and working on his pitch management can help improve his work this afternoon.
Masahiro Tanaka made his MLB and Grapefruit League debut last Saturday against the Phillies in a relief appearance. The 25-year-old Tanaka, fresh out of Japan, allowed two hits in two innings while striking out three. Not a bad start for the Japanese pitcher, who is slated to be a Yankees ace this season. It will be interesting to see Tanaka make a start and set the bar for the rest of his teammates on the mound.
Phillies lineup:
- Freddy Galvis SS
- Kevin Frandsen 3B
- Chase Utley 2B
- Ryan Howard 1B
- Marlon Byrd RF
- Domonic Brown LF
- Carlos Ruiz C
- Clete Thomas CF
- Reid Brignac DH
Kyle Kendrick will start today's game against New York.
Yankees lineup:
- Brett Gardner LF
- Derek Jeter SS
- Mark Teixeira 1B
- Carlos Beltran RF
- Brian McCann C
- Alfonso Soriano DH
- Kelly Johnson 3B
- Brian Roberts 2B
- Mason Williams CF
Masahiro Tanaka will start today's game against Philadelphia.
Weather permits this game in Clearwater as well.
First Pitch: 1:05 PM ET
Location: Bright House Field, Clearwater, Florida
Weather: 73° – Thunderstorms – 100% Precip
TV: TCN, MLB Network
Erik Seybold is a writer for Philliedelphia.com. Follow him on Twitter @ErikSeyboldPHI.
