Cole Hamels is still on the Phillies, despite trade talks "picking up" with another team that Phillies general manager Ruben Amaro, Jr. failed to identify. Hamels has made one Spring start thus far, throwing two scoreless innings. Hamels will probably pitch two or three innings before handing it over to the bullpen.
The Pirates will pitch right-handed pitcher Charlie Morton. Morton was often called the "poor man's Roy Halladay", with a similar pitching motion and style, on purpose. So far this Spring, Morton has pitched two scoreless innings. Morton is a product of Flemington, New Jersey.
The Phillies will play Ryan Howard for the third straight day at first base. Carlos Ruiz, Darin Ruf, Cody Asche, and Freddy Galvis will get a day off today. Chase d'Arnaud, who is the brother former Phillies top prospect Travis d'Arnaud, will get a start at shortstop today, and Tommy Joseph will see action behind the plate.
Chase Utley remains out of the lineup, but Ryan Lawrence of the Philadelphia Daily News reports that Utley was running this morning. Utley is recovering from a sprained ankle, so it appears his return could be closer. Cesar Hernandez will get another start at second base for the Phillies.
Not coming up from Bradenton for the Pirates includes star center fielder Andrew McCutchen, left fielder Starling Marte, and first baseman Pedro Alvarez. The Pirates also will play Jordie Mercer at shortstop, not new-signee from Korea Jung Ho Kang, or incumbent shortstop Clint Barmes. Phillies fans will get to see stars Josh Harrison at third, Neil Walker at second base, and Gregory Polanco in right field.
Phillies Lineup:
Today's #PhilliesST lineup vs the #Pirates. Hamels vs Morton. 1:05 PM game time on @TCNPhilly. pic.twitter.com/m09tZd1jdz
— Phillies (@Phillies) March 11, 2015
Pirates Lineup:
Pirates lineup vs. Phillies and Cole Hamels today pic.twitter.com/BtsMjctjYp
— Travis Sawchik (@Sawchik_Trib) March 11, 2015
First pitch: 1:05
TV: The Comcast Network
Radio: None
