Yeah, the headline was lame. At least I didn't go the "Miner? I hardly know her" route. But the Phillies are going to take on the Miami Marlins once again, with a taxed bullpen and a non-starter on the mound. Having lost the series opener to the Marlins, the Phillies look to go out with some dignity.
The Marlins will send to the mound Henderson Alavarez, a right-handed, 23 year-old Venezuelan pitcher acquired from the Toronto Blue Jays in the controversial trade that sent shortstop Jose Reyes and pitchers Josh Johnson and Mark Buehrle to the Jays. Alvarez was long a top prospect of the Jays and is known for a fastball that can reach 97 miles-per-hour. In his Marlins season, he is 4-5 with a 4.05 ERA. Despite making nine starts against the National League East, he has not faced the Phillies yet.
Zach Miner will make his second Phillies start tonight after 13 bullpen appearances for the Phillies. Signed as a minor league free agent, Miner was summoned from AAA Lehigh Valley on August 1 after J.C. Ramirez's early success hit a brick wall. Miner was in and out of the Iron Pigs rotation before his promotion. As a starter he was 2-4 with a 3.66 ERA. In his first Phillies start, Miner gave the Phillies three scoreless innings but threw a lot of pitches to do so. Miner threw 61 pitches and walked two while allowing two hits. He may get a longer leash today, but do not expect him to throw many innings once again.
Game Notes:
- Carlos Ruiz gets the day off. He has cooled off in recent days, going just two for 20 in his last five starts.
- Cameron Rupp makes his second Major League start
- Cody Asche has also cooled down; he is one for his last 17. He also gets a rest today in favor of Freddy Galvis.
- Mauricio Robles and J.C. Ramirez have only pitched twice each this month. They may get an opportunity today.
Phillies Lineup:
- Cesar Hernandez CF
- Jimmy Rollins SS
- Chase Utley 2B
- Domonic Brown LF
- Darin Ruf RF
- Kevin Frandsen 1B
- Freddy Galvis 3B
- Cameron Rupp C
- Zach Miner P
Marlins Lineup:
- Donovan Solano 2B
- Ed Lucas 3B
- Christian Yelich LF
- Giancarlo Stanton RF
- Justin Ruggiano CF
- Logan Morrison 1B
- Adeiny Hechavarria SS
- Jeff Mathis C
- Henderson Alvarez P
First pitch: 7:05
TV: CSN Philly
Radio: 94WIP, 1210AM WPHT
