Chase Utley returns as Phillies take on Rays in Clearwater

The Phillies take on the Tampa Bay Rays at Bright House field in Clearwater this afternoon.  The big story is the return of Chase Utley.  Utley has yet to see any Spring Training game action after spraining his ankle.  Utley said during his opening of Spring Training press conference that he stepped on a baseball.   Utley will serve as the team's designated hitter in his return to action.

The Phillies will send to the mound Joelys Rodriguez.  Rodriguez will be making his third appearance of the Spring, but his first start.  Rodriguez has pitched four innings this season over his two appearances, and has yet to be scored upon.    The Phillies acquired Rodriguez in exchange for reliever Antonio Bastardo.

The Rays are pitching Chris Archer today.   Archer is one of the mainstays of the rotation.  Archer went 10-9 in 2014 in 32 starts, pitching to a 3.33 ERA.  Archer threw just shy of 200 innings in his 2014 season.

Phillies Lineup:

Today's #PhilliesST lineup vs the #Rays. Rodriguez vs Archer. 1:05 pm game time on @TCNPhilly and @MLBTV. pic.twitter.com/nlA4QI9jdO

— Phillies (@Phillies) March 13, 2015

Rays Lineup:

#Rays lineup v #Phillies: Kiermaier cf, Jennings lf, Cabrera ss, Longoria 3b, Jaso dh, Souza rf, Loney 1b, Franklin 2b, Casali c, Archer p

— Marc Topkin (@TBTimes_Rays) March 13, 2015

First pitch: 1:05
TV: The Comcast Network, MLB.com
Radio: None