Gameday: Braves (18-15) vs. Phillies (21-9)
Derek Lowe (2-3, 3.72 ERA) vs. Cliff Lee (2-2, 3.66 ERA)
Time: 7:05, Citizens Bank Park
Weather: Mostly cloudy, 60
TV: Comcast Network
Twitter: Phillies Nation
PLAYER UPDATES:
-Roy Oswalt could end up on the DL, he has been scratched from his start on Saturday against the Braves. Kyle Kendrick will go in his place and throw about 65-75 pitches if all goes well. Ruben Amaro said that the discomfort was felt in his last start in Arizona, although it was minor, and that the work he did in Mississippi could have played in a role in making his back “balky” as Amaro put it.
-Carlos Ruiz may also end up on the DL. Both he and Oswalt will meet with the team doctor tonight. Ruiz felt pain in his back after swinging in the cages yesterday, he’ll resume baseball activities tomorrow and they’ll make a decision after that.
-Chase Utley will play a baseball game!! Don’t go nuts just yet, it’s only extended spring training, but it’s good news nonetheless. Chase will be in Florida sometime today and will play in a game tomorrow. With extended spring games, a player can take one at bat or 30 at-bats if he so chooses, so Utley is free to keep pushing as long as he feels good enough. Amaro said there is no pain in the knee other than regular soreness that a ballplayer would accumulate using his legs often.
-Joe Blanton seems like a virtual lock to start on Monday, although Amaro would not etch that in stone. He’ll throw a bullpen tomorrow and they’ll make the final decision.
LINEUP:
Rollins SS, Victorino CF, Polanco 3B, Howard 1B, Francisco RF, Ibanez LF, Orr 2B, Schneider C, Lee P
GAMEDAY BEER: Sweetwater Blue
GO PHILLIES!
