Slumping Phillies, Eflin Look to Snap 3-Game Skid Against Strasburg

Matt Rappa

August 22 2018

By Matt Rappa, Sports Talk Philly editor

Looking to rebound, the Philadelphia Phillies (68-57) and RHP Zach Eflin will take on three-time All-Star RHP Stephen Strasburg and the Washington Nationals (63-63) in the second of a three-game series Wednesday evening at Nationals Park.

Read: Phillies Acquire Left-Handed Reliever Luis Avilan

The Phillies dropped their third straight game in Tuesday's series opener, 10-4. Starter Vince Velasquez was limited to just four innings on 58 pitches due to a 102-minute rain delay. Despite grabbing a 4-1 lead in the sixth, the Phillies bullpen faltered, allowing a combined nine runs, 11 hits and five walks over four innings. Roman Quinn hit his first career home run in his 36th game, while Asdrubal Cabrera and Carlos Santana produced RBI singles. Right-hander Yacksel Rios was optioned to Triple-A Lehigh Valley following the game to make room for Eflin on the 25-man roster.

After finishing the first half 11 games over .500 (53-42), the Phillies have split their 30 games since the All-Star break (15-15), including losing six of their last nine games since Sunday, August 12. The club is just 27-35 (.435) on the road this season.

Starting Pitching Matchup:

Philadelphia Phillies (68-57)			Washington Nationals (63-63)
RHP	Zach Eflin		RHP	Stephen Strasburg
RHP	(9-4, 3.70 ERA)		RHP	(6-7, 3.90 ERA)

RHP Zach Eflin, Age: 24

2018 vs. WSN: 1-0, 3.60 ERA, 1 G, 1 GS, 5 IP, 6 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 0 HR, BB, 5 SO, 1.400 WHIP
Career vs. WSN: 1-0, 3.60 ERA, 1 G, 1 GS, 5 IP, 6 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 0 HR, BB, 5 SO, 1.400 WHIP
Career at Nationals Park: 1-0, 3.60 ERA, 1 G, 1 GS, 5 IP, 6 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 0 HR, BB, 5 SO, 1.400 WHIP

Despite allowing five doubles in his most recent start, Eflin picked up the win against the New York Mets on Thursday, allowing four runs in 6 2/3 innings. The right-hander has posted a 5.02 ERA and a 1.256 WHIP over his last five starts since July 23.

RHP Stephen Strasburg, Age: 30

2018 vs. PHI: N/A
Career vs. PHI: 10-2, 2.22 ERA, 21 G, 21 GS, 137 2/3 IP, 93 H, 41 R, 34 ER, 10 HR, 26 BB, 169 SO, 0.864 WHIP
Career at Nationals Park: 43-27, 3.03 ERA, 106 G, 106 GS, 644 IP, 527 H, 247 R, 217 ER, 68 HR, 135 BB, 756 SO, 1.028 WHIP

Neck and shoulder ailments have limited Strasburg to just two starts since June 8. The right-hander has lost four of his last five outings since May 20, posting a 5.40 ERA, 1.440 WHIP and 33-8 strikeout-to-walk ratio spanning 25 innings. With the Nationals' playoff chances dwindling, Strasburg is returning despite not undergoing a rehab assignment.

Starting Lineups:

Philadelphia Phillies (68-57)				Washington Nationals (63-63)
	Position	Player	Bats		Position	Player	Bats
1	2B	Cesar Hernandez	S	1	RF	Adam Eaton	L
2	LF	Rhys Hoskins	R	2	SS	Trea Turner	R
3	SS	Asdrubal Cabrera	S	3	CF	Bryce Harper	L
4	1B	Justin Bour	L	4	3B	Anthony Rendon	R
5	3B	Maikel Franco	R	5	LF	Juan Soto	L
6	RF	Nick Williams	L	6	1B	Ryan Zimmerman	R
7	C	Jorge Alfaro	R	7	C	Matt Wieters	S
8	CF	Roman Quinn	S	8	2B	Wilmer Difo	S
9	P	Zach Eflin	R	9	P	Stephen Strasburg	R

Broadcast Information:

First pitch: 7:05 p.m.
TV: NBCSP, MLBN
Radio: SportsRadio 94 WIP

Game Notes:

The Phillies have fallen a 1/2 game out of the second Wild Card spot, and two games out of the National League East lead with 37 games to go. The Phillies will play approximately 22 percent of their remaining games against the Nationals, who on Tuesday traded away Daniel Murphy and Matt Adams.
Santana and right fielder Nick Williams each have six-game hit streaks, respectively slashing .368/.429/.579 and .320/.346/.440.
Phillies center fielder Odubel Herrera — who has just nine hits in 52 at-bats this month (.173/.204/.212) — has just three hits all-time against Strasburg spanning 20 at-bats (.150/.190/.250) (click to expand).