We are in the final week of spring training and in one week's time, every game played will matter. The Phillies will be in Atlanta on April 1st, but before they head down south they will stop at Citizens Bank Park for a three-game On-Deck Series with the Toronto Blue Jays. Today John Lannan (1-1, 3.21 ERA) will take on Josh Johnson (3-0, 1.69 ERA) and the Blue Jays. Following yesterday's loss to Boston, the Phillies are 13-14 so far this spring.
John Lannan has been pretty good so far this spring. In his last start, a five-inning start against Tampa Bay, Lannan allowed just two hits while surrendering a walk. Lannan also K'd four Rays en route to a no-decision. Lannan will be making his fifth start of the spring. Posting a 3.21 ERA (5 ER in 14 IP) and recording a few strike outs per outing, Lannan is most likely going to be the fifth man in the Phils' rotation in 2013. With Hamels in the first spot, Halladay will take shotgun to allow Cliff Lee and Hamels to be split (both are left-handers). Kyle Kendrick and Lannan would follow to allow a smooth alternative in the rotation.
Opposing Lannan and the Phillies will be former-Miami Marlin Josh Johnson. Johnson has proved strong and able so far, posting a 3-0 record and a 1.69 ERA (2 ER in 10 1/2 IP). In Johnson's last start, back on March 14 against the Yankees, the righthander allowed two hits, one being a home run, while striking out five over three innings. Johnson is looking to sweep 2012 under the rug – as most Marlin players, and fans are this season- after posting an 8-14 record with a 3.81 ERA in 31 starts last year. Johnson, along with SS Jose Reyes, LHP Mark Burhle, C John Buck, and OF Emilio Bonafacio were traded to the Blue Jays in December in a blockbuster 12-player deal. No longer a problem in Miami, the Phillies will take on the Blue Jays today and this weekend only.
Game Notes:
- Jimmy Rollins will lead off in today's game after Ben Revere led off yesterday.
- Chase Utley will DH instead of playing second today.
- Josh Johnson held the Phillies to .232/.291/.347 in four starts last season.
Phillies lineup:
- Jimmy Rollins SS
- Ben Revere CF
- Chase Utley DH
- Ryan Howard 1B
- Michael Young 3B
- Domonic Brown RF
- John Mayberry Jr. LF
- Kevin Frandsen 2B
- Erik Kratz C
John Lannan will start today's game.
Blue Jays lineup:
- Jose Reyes SS
- Melky Cabrera LF
- Jose Bautista RF
- J.P. Arencibia C
- Adam Lind 1B
- Mark DeRosa 3B
- Colby Rasmus CF
- Rajai Davis DH
- Emilio Bonifacio 2B
Josh Johnson will start today's game.
TV: Today's game will not be on TV
Radio: MLB.com
Erik Seybold is a writer for Philliedelphia. Follow him on Twitter @ErikSeyboldPHI.
