OK – this isn't exactly a preview because the game is already started. Erik stepped on a nail and is in the E.R., so he could not preview the game. We wish him well!
This piece really is intended to look at today's action and what it could mean for the Phillies. Last night the Dodgers had a comeback win in which Cardinals closer Jason Motte blew a save. With the walkoff win, the Dodgers are tied with the Cardinals for the Wild Card lead. Those two teams face each other again last this afternoon.
The problem with two Wild Card leaders who play each other is that one of them has to win. One will lose. As such, the Phillies cannot gain a game. If the Dodgers win and the Phillies win, the Phillies are three games out behind the Dodgers. If the Dodgers win and the Phillies lose, the Phillies are four games behind the Dodgers. If the Cardinals win and the Phillies win, the Phillies are three games behind the Cardinals. If the Cardinals win and the Phillies lose, the Phillies are three games behind the Cardinals.
Losing one of those two games for the Astros is really problematic for the Phillies. In a weekend when the Phillies hoped to make up some ground, at the very best they will be right where they started. And with only five series left, the opportunity to make up ground is really limited. The Dodgers have a tough schedule while the Cardinals have a lighter load down the stretch.
So, the Phillies should hope for a Dodgers win, thinking they are more likely to get beat up later. The Dodgers are without Clayton Kershaw who is being checked for a hip flexor injury, and maybe for some time. The Cardinals, missing key offensive pieces Lance Berkman and Rafael Furcal, also are playing at less than full strength.
Today the Phillies take on Jordan Lyles, a young righthander with little success in the major leagues so far. He is 4-11 on the season with an ERA north of the 5 mark.
Here's the lineup the Phillies are sending at Lyles today with Doc on the mound:
- Rollins, SS
- Pierre, LF
- Utley, 2B
- Howard, 1B
- Ruiz, C
- Mayberry, CF
- Brown, RF
- Martinez, 3B
- Halladay, P
