Herrera returns for Good Friday match up against Toronto

 Odubel Herrera returns to the lineup for the first time since March 12

 

Starting Pitching Matchup:

Toronto Blue Jays (15-4) Philadelphia Phillies (14-7)
RHP Marco Estrada RHP Jeremy Hellickson
(0-0, 9.00 ERA) (0-0, 1.29 ERA)

 

Opening Day starter Jeremy Hellickson makes what is likely his second to last appearance of the spring tonight against the always potent Toronto Blue Jays.  The 28-year-old hurler has been fairly limited in the Grapefruit League, his third start at Bright House Field this spring, but has been effective enough to lock down the number one slot. 

It is also a welcome return for Odubel Herrera who has been out since March 12 with a bruised middle finger. Herrera bats 5th tonight behind Darin Ruf at first base. Both Hellickson and Blue Jays starter Marco Estrada get to take a few hacks tonight at the plate as well. 

Estrada brings a 9.00 ERA this spring to tonight's start. No Jose Bautista for the Jays but a challenging 1-2-3 punch in Kevin Pillar, Josh Donaldson, and Troy Tulowitzki is in store for Hellickson. Casey Kotchman is also still hanging around it appears and will man first base tonight. 

Some good Friday night prime time action is in store. Just think this time next week, the Phillies will be at Citizens Bank Park hosting Baltimore. We're getting close. 

Starting Lineups:

Toronto Blue Jays (15-4) Philadelphia Phillies  (14-7)
  Position Player Bats   Position Player Bats
1  CF Kevin Pillar  R 1  2B Cesar Hernandez  S
2  3B Josh Donaldson  R 2  SS Andres Blanco  S
3  SS    Troy Tulowitzki  R 3  3B Maikel Franco  R
4  LF     Michael Saunders  L 4  1B    Darin Ruf  R
5  C Russell Martin  R 5  CF Odubel Herrera  L
6  RF Darrell Ceciliani  L 6  RF Peter Bourjos  R
7  1B Casey Kotchman  L 7  C Carlos Ruiz    R
8  2B Ryan Goins  L 8  LF David Lough  L
9  SP Marco Estrada  R 9  SP Jeremy Hellickson  R

Broadcast Information:

  • First-pitch: 6:35pm EST
  • TV: CSN
  • Radio: 94.1 WIP

What's Next:

Saturday, March 26, 2016: at Atlanta Braves, 1:05 PM ET

  • RHP Shane Greene (1-0, 2.63 ERA) vs. LHP James Russell (0-0, 2.25 ERA)
  • TV: CSN
  • Radio: 94.1 WIP

Greg Vince (@GregVince) of Philliedelphia.com.

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