Kyle Kendrick Leads Phils Back to Philly vs. Bucs

After a 9-17 record in the Florida Grapefruit League for the Phillies, they return home for the final two games of the preseason. Once again, the On Deck Series takes place at Citizens Bank Park, where the Phillies will take on the Pittsburgh Pirates. In their last two ball games, the PHillies have been completely shutout, so a return to offensive power is in sights for the team. Headed to the mound in hope of more offensive numbers tonight for the final time this Spring will be Kyle Kendrick. Standing in his way is the starting pitcher for the Pirates, Charlie Morton. 

Kendrick has faced the Pirates multiple times in his career. As far as the players on Pittburgh's current roster go, Gaby Sanchez has the most experience against the righty, recording 18 at bats against him. He's currently batting .444 with a single homerun and three RBIs. The only two other Pirates that have at least ten at bats against KK are Andrew McCutchen and Neil Walker, though neither of them are hitting higher than .231.

On the offensive side of the ball, the Phillies are hitting relatively well against the Pirates' Charlie Morton. The combination of Domonic Brown, Chase Utley, and Jimmy Rollins are all hitting at least .333 against Morton. Also worth noting is Morton's former teammate Marlon Byrd. As it stands, Byrd is 1-for-10 in his career against Morton. Hopefully, the numbers balance out, and the offense regains some form headed into Monday in Texas. 

Game Notes:

• Maikel Franco has been tabbed to move up north with the team back to Philadelphia. It does not necessarily mean he has secured a starting job with the squad, but it will be interesting to see what king of time he gets with the big club.
• This may be the final time we see some players with the Phillies. Who will be headed to the minors, and who will be cut from the team?
• With Ben Revere once again hitting ahead of Jimmy Rollins, it seems Ryne Sandberg has made up his mind on the team's new leadoff hitter.

Phillies Lineup:

1. Ben Revere CF
2. Jimmy Rollins SS
3. Chase Utley 2B
4. Ryan Howard 1B
5. Marlon Byrd RF
6. Domonic Brown LF
7. Carlos Ruiz C
8. Cody Asche 3B
9. Kyle Kendrick SP

Pirates Lineup:

At the time of publication, the Pirates have not released a lineup for tonight's game.

First Pitch: 7:05 PM
Citizens Bank Park, Philadelphia
73°F, Overcast, 21% PoP