(Photo: Frank Klose/Philliedelphia.com)
The Phillies have won just one game this spring, and it's getting a little pathetic now. After one scheduled split squad game yesterday was canceled against Detroit, the other one was delayed, played and completed against the Yankees. The Phillies were able to mount three runs against the Yankees, but it wasn't enough as the Yanks scored four to win. This afternoon, the Phillies will send out A.J. Burnett (0-1, 4.50 ERA) against the Baltimore Orioles and Ubaldo Jimenez (0-0, 0.00 ERA) in game 9 of the spring.
A.J. Burnett took the loss in his Phillies debut on Sunday against the Pirates, allowing an earned run on one hit in two innings pitched. Burnett looked good, walking none and striking out one and had no real struggle with control. With Burnett making his second start of the spring today, he will look to go into at least the third inning and keep his pitch count low and get ahead of hitters in the count.
Ubaldo Jimenez (2013: 13-9, 3.30 ERA) will be making his Orioles debut as well as first start of the spring today against the Phillies. Jimenez, 30, signed a four-year deal with the Orioles in February and is remaining in the American League (spent 2011-2013 with Cleveland). Jimenez is looking to make a statement infront of his new team and will aim to keep his command (something that he struggled heavily with last season) in check against this Phillies offense.
Game Notes:
- Before the Phillies signed A.J. Burnett, the Orioles were a favorite to sign the right-hander.
- This game will be Ubaldo Jimenez's first start as an Oriole.
- Ben Revere is batting .333 in 15 AB this spring.
Today's Lineups:
Phillies lineup:
- Ben Revere CF
- Jimmy Rollins SS
- Domonic Brown LF
- Ryan Howard 1B
- Marlon Byrd RF
- Bobby Abreu DH
- Kevin Frandsen 2B
- Cody Asche 3B
- Cameron Rupp C
A.J. Burnett is starting today's game against the Orioles.
Orioles lineup:
- David Lough LF
- Nick Markakis RF
- Adam Jones CF
- Chris Davis 1B
- Nelson Cruz DH
- Matt Weiters C
- J.J. Hardy SS
- Ryan Flaherty 3B
- Jemile Weeks 2B
Ubaldo Jimenez is starting today's game against Philadelphia.
First Pitch: 1:05 PM ET
Location: Ed Smith Stadium, Sarasota, Florida
Weather: 67° – Cloudy – 20% Precip
TV: You can watch and listen to this game on MLB.com's MLBTV
Erik Seybold is a writer for Philliedelphia.com. Follow him on Twitter @ErikSeyboldPHI.
