The Phillies played their final split sqaud games yesterday as they divided up and took on the Astros and Blue Jays, respectively. David Buchanan manned the hill for the Phils against the 'Stros, but was not able to keep his team from winning as they fell 3-1. Back in Clearwater, Jeff Manship led the Phils to a 6-3 victory over the Blue Jays. With both pitchers being candidates for back end spots in the rotation, their next starts could either prove success or fatal for their chances to make it back to Philadelphia.
Today Cliff Lee (1-1, 2.63 ERA) will take on the Boston Red Sox at home. Opposing him on the hill will be lefty Jon Lester (1-1, 1.29 ERA).
Cliff Lee, who's last start was against the Red Sox on Saturday, held his ground en route to his first decisive win of the spring. Holding hitters to just three hits over five innings, Lee remained his consistent dominance that he's displayed so far this past month. With 13 2/3 innings in the books, Lee has allowed just four earned runs and has struck out 13 batters opposite two walks. Recently named the Phils' Opening Day starter, Lee will look to keep himself healthy and gear up for Opening Day (less than two weeks away).
Coming off of a World Series run, the Red Sox are looking to burst out of the gates blazing in April, and with Jon Lester on the hill – they shouldn't have too many issues. In just seven innings (two games), Lester has allowed an earned run on three hits. One of those starts happen to be against the Phillies. Back on Saturday, Lester held the Phils to just one earned run in four frames. Recording five strike outs, Lester totaled his number of Ks to 9. This will be his second start against the Phils this spring.
Game Notes:
- The Phillies announced today that Freddy Galvis will miss 2-3 weeks with a staph infection in his left leg.
- Darin Ruf will undergo an MRI after he strained his left oblique muscle during BP yesterday. It is unlikely that he will start this season on the roster.
- Cliff Lee will start his fifth game of the spring today. He is currently holding hitters to a .216 average against him.
Today's Lineups:
Phillies lineup:
- Tony Gwynn Jr. CF
- Jimmy Rollins SS
- Chase Utley 2B
- Ryan Howard 1B
- Marlon Byrd RF
- John Mayberry LF
- Ronny Cedeno 3B
- Wil Nieves C
- Cliff Lee P
Red Sox Lineup:
- Jackie Bradley Jr. CF
- Jonny Gomes LF
- Will Middlebrooks 3B
- A.J. Pierzynski C
- Bryce Brentz RF
- Mike Carp 1B
- Jonathan Herrera SS
- Mike McCoy 2B
- Jon Lester P
First Pitch: 1:05 PM ET
Location: Bright House Field, Clearwater, Florida
Weather: 72° – Sunny – 0% Precip
TV: TCN, MLB Network
Erik Seybold is a writer for Philliedelphia.com. Follow him on Twitter @ErikSeyboldPHI.
