Phillies left-handed pitcher Cliff Lee will make his first start on the mound in over seven months this afternoon as he opposes the Houston Astros.
This will be Houston's first Grapefruit League game of Spring Training, as they open Osceola County Stadium's doors for their 31st season at the venue, and third season as a member of the American League West division.
Starting Pitching Matchup:
|
Philadelphia Phillies (1-0-1) |
Houston Astros (0-0) |
||||
|
LHP |
2014: (4-5, 3.65 ERA) |
RHP |
2014: (11-9, 2.73 ERA) |
||
Lee, 36, has not made an appearance since July 31, 2014 against the Washington Nationals. His outing was cut short as he left the game with two outs in the bottom of the third with a left flexor pronator strain. This injury landed the Arkansas-native on the DL for the rest of the season after just 13 starts, his fewest in a campaign since having just 16 with the 2007 Cleveland Indians.
Multiple scouts will likely be on hand today with Lee now being fully healthy. The 2008 American League Cy Young Award winner has been named in multiple trade rumors this offseason, primarily being linked to the Boston Red Sox. Boston, also a suitor for acquiring Cole Hamels, may resort to acquiring Lee instead. He would be obtainable at a cheaper cost for arguably the same short-term benefit as Hamels would provide.
27-year-old right hander Collin McHugh, who is listed as Houston's third starter on their unofficial depth chart, will oppose Lee on the mound for the Astros.
The first two seasons of McHugh's career could not have started any worse for the 2008, 18th round New York Mets draft pick. He went 0-4 with a 7.59 ERA in 2012, followed by a combined record of 0-4 with a 10.04 ERA as a member of the Mets and Rockies in 2013. During this stretch, McHugh allowed 47 earned runs in the first 47.1 innings, or two seasons, of his career.
Selected off of waivers from the Rockies on December 18, 2013, McHugh was able to turn his career around in 25 starts throughout the 2014 season as an Astro, as he finished fourth in the American League Rookie of the Year standings. In 154.2 innings, McHugh ironically allowed his earned runs total from the first two seasons of his career combined, 47.
Miguel Alfredo Gonzalez, 28, is expected to make an appearance for the Phillies today in relief of Lee, according to MLB.com Phillies beat writer, Todd Zolecki. The News Journal's Meghan Montemurro adds that Sean O'Sullivan, Cesar Jimenez, Phillippe Aumont and Elvis Araujo will also throw against Houston this afternoon.
Starting Lineups:
|
Philadelphia Phillies (1-0-1) |
Houston Astros (0-0) |
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|
|
Position/Bats |
Player |
|
Position/Bats |
Player |
|
1 |
8/L |
1 |
7/S |
||
|
2 |
4/S |
2 |
4/S |
||
|
3 |
DH/L |
3 |
9/R |
||
|
4 |
9/R |
4 |
3/R |
||
|
5 |
5/L |
5 |
5/L |
||
|
6 |
3/R |
6 |
8/R |
||
|
7 |
7/R |
7 |
DH/L |
||
|
8 |
2/R |
8 |
2/R |
||
|
9 |
6/S |
9 |
6/S |
||
Broadcast Information:
- First-pitch: 1:05 pm EST
- TV: N/A
- Radio/Audio: Phillies.com Webcast
What to Watch For:
- Cliff Lee:
- If Lee shows signs of his former, dominant self on the mound in his next few starts, trade interest could soar for the 13-year veteran as teams look to bolster their rotation.
- He has been traded four times so far in his career, with two of those transactions involving the Phillies (July and December of 2009).
- Miguel Alfredo Gonzalez:
- The Cuban right-hander signed a three-year, $12 million contract with the Phillies, with a vesting option for a fourth year, on August 30, 2013.
- Gonzalez rose quickly within the minor league system last season, despite not receiving a winning decision. He played in eight games with the Threshers, 11 with the Fightin Phils, and 12 to close out 2014 with the IronPigs.
- While Gonzalez is a candidate for the fifth spot of the rotation, he will be likely looked at my closely as a bullpen asset by Phillies manager Ryne Sandberg.
- Non-roster invitee Jeff Francoeur makes his first start as a Phillie today, out in right field.
- Francoeur, 31, has been working with Phillies Spring Training instructor and former manager, Charlie Manuel, to try to resurrect his career by improving his swing.
- At least two prospects sent to Houston in the 2011 Hunter Pence trade will play against their former organization today (via @Astros):
- Jonathan Villar is starting at short today for the Astros.
- Jonathan Singleton is scheduled to replace Jason Castro as designated hitter.
- Domingo Santana is listed as eligible.
Matt Rappa (@mattrappa) is a contributor to Philliedelphia.com.
