Raul Valdes Fills In For Cliff Lee As Phillies Look To Take One From Max Scherzer, Tigers

The Phillies have lost six straight games and everything is looking more likely that the Phillies will sell before Wednesday's trade deadline. Last night the Phillies were only able to manage an unearned run against Doug Fister, who held them in check over eight innings. Cole Hamels was solid, allowing two runs over seven innings – but was dealt his 13th loss of the season. Now five games under .500, the Phillies will look to Rual Valdes (1-0, 7.59 ERA), who is filling in for Cliff Lee and his "stiff neck", as they take on All-Star Max Scherzer (14-1, 3.14 ERA) in game two of this three-game matchup.

Cliff Lee was scratched from this start late yesterday due to a "stiff neck". Whether or not Lee actually is injured or if he is soon to be on the move, he will not be starting this game. Making a spot start for the club will be Raul Valdes, who has struggled in the bullpen this season. In 12 starts with Triple-A Lehigh Valley, Valdes went 3-4 with a 3.10 ERA. In 21 1/3 big-league innings with the Phillies, Valdes has allowed 18 earned runs. Valdes made one career start last season against Pittsburgh. Valdes has never faced the Tigers before.

Max Scherzer is looking to continue his career year for the first-place Tigers. Going 12-1 before the All-Star break, Scherzer notched his 13th his last time out against the White Sox. In eight innings on Monday, Scherzer allowed two earned on four hits while striking out five. At home this year, Scherzer is 8-1 but carries a 4.20 ERA - exemplifying the amount of runs support he receives. Scherzer has one career start against Philadelphia – a loss back in May of 2008. 

Game Notes: 

• Be on the watch for Cliff Lee (10-4 with a 3.05 ERA in 20 starts) on the move. A "stiff neck" normally would not be a hault in his season.
• The Phillies are 1-6 so far after the All-Star Game.
• Watch out for Michael Young, who is rumored to be close to being moved.

Phillies lineup:

1. Michael Young 3B
2. Kevin Frandsen 1B
3. Jimmy Rollins SS
4. Chase Utley 2B
5. Delmon Young DH
6. Darin Ruf LF
7. Laynce Nix RF
8. Erik Kratz C
9. Michael Martinez CF

Raul Valdes starts.

Tigers lineup:

1. Austin Jackson CF
2. Torii Hunter RF, 
3. Miguel Cabrera 3B
4. Prince Fielder 1B
5. Victor Martinez DH
6. Jhonny Peralta SS
7. Matt Tuiasosopo LF
8. Hernan Perez 2B
9. Alex Avila C

Max Scherzer starts.

First Pitch Forecast: Scattered T-Storms – 79° – 65% PoP

TV: CSN
Radio: 94 WIP, 1210 WPHT

Erik Seybold is a writer for Philliedelphia. Follow him on Twitter.