(Photo: Frank Klose/Philliedelphia.com)
The Phillies continue to struggle offensively as well as on the mound this spring, owning a 1-8 record. Yesterday, after a rocky start from A.J. Burnett (6 ER in 3 IP) and nothing better from the bullpen, the Phillies lost their 8th game this spring. Although Burnett and Miguel Gonzalez (4 ER in 1 IP) had bad outings, their offense showed some signs of life behind solo shots from Cameron Rupp and Darin Ruf as well as an RBI double from Ryan Howard. Bad outings from pitchers this early in March are not something to worry about right now, but offense coming to life and showing their caliber this early is.
Today Roberto Hernandez (0-0, 3.60 ERA) will host Dallas Keuchel (1-0, 0.00 ERA) and the Houston Astros in split squad fashion.
Roberto Hernandez has been effective this spring, allowing just two earned runs in five innings. On Monday, Hernandez allowed one hit over three frames against the Tampa Bay Rays. Striking out three and walking none, Hernandez got the no-decision as the Phillies fell 6-1 to Tampa. Making his third start for the Phillies today, Hernandez is seeking to continue his quick work and his control. Believe it or not, Hernandez has impressed a lot so far in Clearwater – and if he can keep it up he will be a shoe-in for a rotation spot.
Dallas Keuchel will make his second start of the spring for Houston this afternoon as he takes on the Phillies. Keuchel earned a win in his first start Monday against Miami, allowing one hit over two scoreless innings. After a weak 2013 season going 6-10 in 31 games (22 starts), Keuchel is looking to make 2014 a better season. Working on his control and pitch count will help him do so.
Game Notes:
- Today is the first Phillies Alumni Day in Spring Training. Phillies alumni will be participating in pre-game autograph sessions along with other surprise fan interactions throughout the game.
- Today the Phillies optioned Mike Stutes and Luis Garcia. And reassigned to minors: OFs Aaron Altherr, Kelly Dugan, Leandro Castro and C Sebastian Valle
- Cody Asche is leading off today's game. In 7 games Asche is hitting .067 (1-for-15) with one walk.
- Freddy Galvis will start in center field this afternoon.
Today's Lineups:
Phillies lineup:
- Cody Asche 3B
- Jimmy Rollins SS
- Chase Utley 2B
- Ryan Howard DH
- Marlon Byrd RF
- Darin Ruf LF
- Carlos Ruiz C
- Freddy Galvis CF
- Maikel Franco 1B
Roberto Hernandez will start against Houston today.
Astros lineup:
- Dexter Fowler CF
- Jose Altuve 2B
- Jason Castro C
- Chris Carter DH
- Mark Krauss 1B
- Jesus Guzman LF
- L.J. Hoes RF
- Jonathan Villar SS
- Cesar Izturis 3B
Dallas Keuchel will start against Philadelphia today.
First Pitch: 1:05 PM ET
Location: Bright House Field, Clearwater, Florida
Weather: 67° – Sunny – 0% Precip
TV: TCN
Erik Seybold is a writer for Philliedelphia.com. Follow him on Twitter @ErikSeyboldPHI.
