Cliff Lee, Mike Minor Open Up Weekend Series In Philly

The Phillies are coming off of a 1-2 series loss to the Nationals this past week. After losing Wednesday night's game 3-2, the Phillies got an off day before beginning this weekend's series with the first place Braves. Cliff Lee (11-6, 3.09 ERA) will take on the Braves as they will send out Mike Minor (13-5, 3.08 ERA) in the opener tonight.

Cliff Lee is coming off of a no-decision start against the Cubs this past Saturday. The veteran lefthander allowed nine hits, three runs (two earned), and surrendered three walks all while striking out four batters. Lee has pitched well in his last three starts, posting a 2.25 ERA in 20 innings during that stretch. He has pitched better, but he has also pitched worse. After a rough patch in July and early August, Lee is 1-1 with a 2.91 ERA. Tonight will be Lee's fourth start against the Braves in 2013. He is 2-1 with a 3.30 against them this season and 6-5 with a 3.12 ERA lifetime.

Mike Minor went seven frames deep on Saturday against the Marlins. After allowing four earned runs on five hits – including two solo home runs – Minor was handed the no-decision. Walking one and striking out six, Minor maintained some command. Over his last three starts, Minor has a win and a 5.17 ERA to tag along with it. Tonight will be Minor's first start against the Phillies – as he has dodged them all season long until this point. In his career the young lefty is 2-2 with a 3.94 ERA.

Game Notes: 

• OF Domonic Brown was diagnosed with tendonitis in his Achillies heel. His season is in doubt.
• The Braves' have the lowest magic number in baseball right now with 10 to go to clinch.
• Atlanta has won eight of its past 10. The Braves are 29-10 over their past 39 contests
  

Phillies lineup:

1. Cesar Hernandez CF
2. Jimmy Rollins SS
3. Chase Utley 2B
4. Carlos Ruiz C
5. Darin Ruf 1B
6. Cody Asche 3B
7. Freddy Galvis LF
8. John Mayberry RF
9. Cliff Lee P

Braves lineup:

1. B.J. Upton CF
2. Justin Upton LF
3. Freeman 1B
4. Evan Gattis LF
5. McCann C
6. Chris Johnson 3B
7. Dan Uggla 2B
8. Andrelton Simmons SS
9. Mike Minor P

TV: CSN
Radio: 94 WIP, 1210 WPHT.

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