After a much needed day off yesterday, the Phillies are ready to get back to playing exhibition games until March 29th. Having not played baseball since Sunday (Monday's game against Baltimore was rained out), the Phillies will get their first game in in three days. Roberto Hernandez (1-0, 2.13 ERA) will make today's start. Opposing him will be former-Phil J.A Happ (0-1, 40.50 ERA), who will be making his second appearance of the spring.
Roberto Hernandez has been solid so far this spring. In 13 1/3 innings, the right hander has allowed just three earned runs on eight hits. His last time out, against the Yankees last Thursday, Hernandez was perfect through five innings before surrendering a single in the top of the sixth. Along with two strike outs in that game, Hernandez is looking to continue today as he takes on the Jays for the second time this spring.
J.A. Happ has only pitched in two games this spring. Dealing with a sore back most of camp, Happ hasn't pitched in a Grapefruit League game since March 3 against the Twins. His first game of the spring was against the Phillies. In just 1 1/3 innings, Happ has allowed six earned runs and has walked five. With the last two weeks of spring closing in, Happ is hoping his back has healed enough for him to make the Jays' rotation this year.
Game Notes:
- This is the first game that Kyle Kendrick is starting against the Blue Jays this spring.
- Ben Revere will lead off today. The outfielder is hitting .343 with 7 runs scored in 11 games this spring.
- Jimmy Rollins, batting .091 this spring will be hitting second in today's lineup.
Today's Lineups:
Phillies lineup:
- Ben Revere CF
- Jimmy Rollins SS
- Chase Utley 2B
- Marlon Byrd RF
- Ryan Howard 1B
- Carlos Ruiz C
- Bobby Abreu DH
- John Mayberry Jr. LF
- Cody Asche 3B
Roberto Hernandez will start today's game for the Phillies.
Blue Jays lineup:
- Jose Reyes SS
- Melky Cabrera LF
- Jose Bautista RF
- Edwin Encarnacion DH
- Adam Lind 1B
- Brett Lawrie 3B
- Colby Rasmus CF
- Dioner Navarro C
- Ryan Goins 2B
J.A. Happ will start today's game for the Blue Jays.
First Pitch: 1:05 PM ET
Location: Florida Auto Exchange Stadium, Dunedin, Florida
Weather: 73° – Mostly Sunny – 0% Precip
TV: None
Erik Seybold is a writer for Philliedelphia.com. Follow him on Twitter @ErikSeyboldPHI.
