Writer: Brandon Apter

Buchanan’s Back, Opposes Peacock in Tonight’s Matchup

Brandon Apter Sports Editor

Published06 Aug 2014

Disclosure

We sometimes use affiliate links in our content, when clicking on those we might receive a commission – at no extra cost to you. By using this website you agree to our terms and conditions and privacy policy.

#494334155 / gettyimages.com

The Phillies (50-63) and Astros (47-66) began their series last night as the Phils faithful, or what is remaining of it, got to see Jonathan Singleton in action for the first time. The once prized Phillies farmhand has been playing full-time for the Astros and has shown plenty of raw power with ten homers in 54 games, though he has struggled at the plate thus far, slashing just .185/.284/.400. Last night, Singleton went 1-for-5 with an RBI single and three strikeouts in the 2-1 Phillies extra-inning win. Ryan Howard provided the offense for the Phils last night, blasting a solo homer to left center in the second inning and then sneaking the game-winning RBI single past the shift in the 15th to score Grady Sizemore from second base. The Big Piece has faced plenty of scrutiny due to his poor performance at the plate this season and he is beginning to think people have forgotten what he has done. (via Phillies.com)

"You know, I think you guys forget what I've done," Howard said. "You guys look at what's going on right now. People forget what I've done. Ryno has played the game. He knows. He knows the ups and downs of the game and he knows you're going to have good days and bad days. For me, I'm just going to go out there and grind it out."

Tonight, the Phillies will send David Buchanan (5-5, 4.40) to the mound for the first time since being sent down to Triple-A because of Cliff Lee's return. Now back due to Lee's injury recurrence, Buchanan will aim to perform well, as a solid end to the year could put him in a full-time role next season. His most recent start for the Ironpigs was very encouraging, as the 25-year-old righty tossed 7.1 innings of one-run ball against the Twins Triple-A affiliate. Buchanan went 6-5 with a 3.45 ERA this season with Lehigh Valley. He last pitched for the Phillies against Milwaukee on July 10th, throwing seven innings of one-run ball, striking out five in the process en route to a 9-1 Phils win.

The Astros will counter with former Washington National, Brad Peacock (3-7, 4.93). We last saw Peacock back in 2011 in Philadelphia during a 6-1 Nationals victory at Citizens Bank Park. In that outing, he threw 5.2 shutout innings. Now with the Astros, Peacock has been a regular rotation guy in 2013 and 2014. He has given up three runs or less in six of his last eight starts, but his latest outing will be one to forget. Against the Oakland A's on July 23rd, Peacock lasted just 3.2 innings, surrendering seven runs on seven hits. He gave up three homers, walked five and struck out two.

Game Notes:

Before collecting two hits, two RBI's and a run in last night's game, Ryan Howard was hitless in the six of the last games prior. Chase Utley only has two hits in his last eight games.
Ben Revere has five multi-hit games in his last eight starts, helping raise his average to .303 on the season. He hit .359 in the month of July. Revere was seen limping for a majority of the game yesterday, but is still in tonight's lineup.
Phillies top prospect, Maikel Franco, was voted the best defensive third baseman and best infield arm in Triple-A according to Baseball America's 2014 Triple-A Best Tools released on Wednesday.
Astros starter Brad Peacock spent time in Triple-A this season after posting a 8.40 ERA in four starts prior to July 23rd. He went 2-3 with a 3.71 ERA in 11 starts from April 20-June 27.
Phillies left-fielder, Domonic Brown, is feeling better after missing three games with a throat infection. He grounded out in the ninth as a pinch-hiter last night. Phillies.com reports Brown has provided value when he's been in the Phillies lineup, with his team-leading .311 average (28-for-90) with runners in scoring position translating into 50 RBIs, good for fourth on the team.
Jarred Cosart, the other big piece in the deal that brought Hunter Pence to Philadelphia, was dealt to Miami at the trade deadline. In his first start for the Marlins, he gave up four runs in 5.1 innings of work, resulting in a 5-2 loss to the Reds.
After catching all of last night's extra-inning victory, Carlos Ruiz sits in favor of Wil Nieves.

Phillies Lineup