After another dreadful meltdown against Washington, the Phillies head up to Boston for the first of four (two at Fenway, two at home). Currently the Red Sox are tied for first with New York in the American League East and their record sits at 31-20. The club has weathered their share of injuries already but have survived the storm thus far. This is not last year's club and they seem to be clicking very well overall.
Tyler Cloyd starts for the Phils, coming off a strong outing against Miami his last time out. This figured to be a special game for Cloyd who had grown up a Red Sox fan. Pitching in Fenway is already probably an amazing thing when considering the history that has occured there but it being your boyhood team, it has to be pretty special.
Clay Buchholz, one of the AL's best pitchers thus far, was scratched today. Alfredo Aceves will start in his place. I find myself wondering if that's a blessing or a curse.
A few reunions are taking place as well. Jonathan Papelbon visits Fenway for the first time since leaving the Red Sox for the Phillies. Shane Victorino, who is currently sidelined with injury, is also among those who will see his former teammates from Philly.
Delmon Young has DH duties tonight. One has to wonder if he vanishes in Jim Thome type fashion in the near future to an AL club searching for a DH type bat. Ryan Howard also returns to the line up after sitting out yesterday with some knee soreness. This appears to be a lingering issue and a DL trip wouldn't surprise me. Just what they need.
Without further delay, here are the line ups:
PHILLIES
Revere 8
M. Young 5
Rollins 6
Howard 3
D. Young DH
Brown 7
Mayberry 9
Galvis 4
Kratz 2
Cloyd (SP)
BOSTON
Ellsbury 8
Nava 9
Ortiz DH
Napoli 3
Drew 6
Carp 7
Saltalamacchia 2
Iglesias 5
Aceves (SP)
