Kyle Kendrick Looks to Help the Phillies Get Back on Track

Yesterday the Phillies opened up a three game set in Denver against the Rockies. The Phillies sent Jonathan Pettibone to the mount. Pettibone continued last season’s shelling at Coors Field. In four innings, Pettibone gave up eight runs on nine hits putting the Phillies in a hole they could not recover from. After the game, Pettibone was optioned back to AAA.

Today, Kyle Kendrick and the Phillies will be looking for redemption. Kendrick is 0-1 in his three starts even though he pitched very well in Texas and at home against the Marlins. On the season, Kendrick has a 3.50 ERA in 18 innings with an impressive 14 strikeouts. Kendrick is known as a ground ball pitcher, so for him to be striking out a batter in 75% of his innings is good to see.

The Rockies will counter with Jordan Lyles. Lyles won his first two starts of the season against the Marlins and the White Sox, but took the not decision against the Padres. Lyles ERA is sitting at 4.32, but he has had around a 5.00 ERA in the last three seasons in Houston.

Game Notes:

• With Jonathan Pettibone optioned to AAA, the Phillies selected the contract of Shawn Camp for the bullpen. It will be interesting whether he will remain with the club when Cole Hamels returns from the DL or B.J. Rosenberg will be sent to AAA
• Cole Hamels is slotted to return on Wednesday against the Dodgers. The Phillies will have Lee, Burnett, Hamels, and Kendrick go in that series.
• Top Prospect Jesse Biddle won his first game this season in AA last night. He threw 94 pitches to get through seven innings, striking out 11 batters. He now has 14:3 strikeouts per walk.

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 P

Rockies Lineup:

1. Charlie Blackman RF
2. Drew Stubbs CF
3. Carlos Gonzalez LF
4. Troy Tulowitzki  SS
5. Justin Morneau 1B
6. Wilin Rosario C
7. Nolan Arenado 3B
8. D.J. LeMahieu 2B
9. Jordan Lyles P

First Pitch: 8:10 PM ET

Location: Coors Field, Denver, CO

Weather: Mostly Cloudy with a Passing Shower 58^oF, Wind: S 4 mph

TV: CSN

Radio: 1210 WPHT, 94 WIP

Andrew Shipotofsky is a writer for Philliedelphia. Follow him twitter @Ashipotofsky