Following a 4-2 loss to the Toronto Blue Jays yesterday, the Philadelphia Phillies (1-3-1) have now lost three consecutive Spring Training games. Today, they'll look to reverse that trend and repeat what they did the last time right-hander Kevin Slowey took to the mound.
This will be the first of two games these two teams will play against one another this week, as the Tampa Bay Rays (1-1-1) will head to Clearwater on Friday afternoon. Today, they'll be sending Chris Archer to start the game.
Starting Pitching Matchup:
|
Philadelphia Phillies (1-3-1) |
Tampa Bay Rays (1-1-1) |
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|
RHP |
2015 Spring: (1-0, 0.00 ERA, 2.0 IP) |
RHP |
2014: (10-9, 3.33 ERA) |
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Coming into the league in 2007 with the Minnesota Twins, Kevin Slowey spent the last two seasons with the Miami Marlins. He is currently with the Phillies on a minor league contract, but very well could pitch his way on to the Opening Day roster in some capacity.
Chris Archer will be making his 2015 Spring Training debut. Since coming up to the Rays in June of 2012, Archer has found early success in his budding career.
He would finish out the rest of that season with Tampa Bay, but began 2013 with Triple A Durham. Much like in his rookie season, Archer reached the major league roster in June, finishing the season strong by becoming second runner-up in American League Rookie of the Year voting.
Last season was Archer's first full one on a major league roster. Finishing with just under 200 innings pitched, the 26-year-old earned a six-year contract extension from the Rays worth $25.5 million ($43.75 million if the two options are picked up).
The Phillies have never faced Chris Archer.
Also worth noting is a tweet from Phillies beat writer Meghan Montemurro. Following yesterday's contest, Ryan Howard, Carlos Ruiz, Maikel Franco and Jeff Francoeur all took extra batting practice.
Starting Lineups:
|
Philadelphia Phillies (1-3-1) |
Tampa Bay Rays (1-1-1) |
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|
|
Position/Bats |
Player |
|
Position/Bats |
Player |
|
1 |
8/L |
1 |
8/L |
||
|
2 |
4/L |
2 |
7/L |
||
|
3 |
9/L |
3 |
4/S |
||
|
4 |
3/R |
4 |
2/R |
||
|
5 |
7/L |
5 |
5/R |
||
|
6 |
DH/R |
6 |
9/R |
||
|
7 |
5/L |
7 |
3/L |
||
|
8 |
2/R |
8 |
6/R |
||
|
9 |
6/S |
9 |
DH/R |
||
Out of the Pen:
More thanks to Meghan Montemurro, who has the report for today's bullpen arms. LHP Cesar Jimenez, LHP Elvis Araujo, RHP Hector Neris and RHP Seth Rosin are all slated to see action.
LHP Joely Rodriguez, who was acquired in the Antonio Bastardo trade with the Pittsburgh Pirates, was scheduled to start today's game. No word on why Slowey was chosen over Rodriguez.
Araujo had been playing for the Cleveland Indian's Double A team, but did not resign with them this offseason.
Broadcast Information:
– First-pitch: 1:05 pm EST
– TV: TCN, MLBN
– Radio: 1210 WPHT, 94 WIP
Andrew Gillen, Managing Editor of Philliedelphia.com
