On Deck Exhibition: Pirates v. Phillies, Utley Update
Weather: Partly cloudy, 61
TV: Sorry folks, this game is not on TV today because the entire rest of the Philadelphia sports world is occupying the usual channels.
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The Phils have reached the Spring Training finish line tonight as they square-off with the cross-state Buccos. Cole Hamels will take the hill for the Phils. Fans of Pete Orr, get excited: the veteran utility man gets the nod at 2B tonight.
Phillies Notes: Jay Greenberg of MLB.com reported today that Charlie Manuel will give John Mayberry Jr. every chance to be an every day player. Greenberg quotes Manuel: “”I think from how he played last year, I think he has earned a right to do that,” Manuel said. “He may not be an everyday starter starting out, but he’s going to play a lot and he’ll be given every chance in the world to be an everyday player.” Greenberg postulates that Juan Pierre may be starting in left on opening day.
Injury news from Martin Frank on David Hale’s Philled In Blog: Ryan Howard will be checking in with his doctor on April 10 for a check-up to determine if he is ready to start a hitting program and Chase Utley will be seeing a specialist in Arizona to determine a plan of action. Utley may return to the team April 23 in a series against the Diamondbacks but Frank cautions that it may be longer until Utley is ready. In addition to Howard and Utley, Jose Contreras, Justin De Fratus, and Michael Martinez will start the year on the DL, with Mike Stutes also a DL possibility. Stutes will be reevaluated after he pitches tonight in Clearwater.
Phillies Lineup:
1. Shane Victorino, CF
2. Placido Polanco, 3B
3. Jimmy Rollins, SS
4. Hunter Pence, RF
5. Laynce Nix, 1B
6. John Mayberry Jr., LF
7. Carlos Ruiz, C
8. Pete Orr, 2B
9. Cole Hamels, P
