Phillies open second-half of the season against Hand-less Padres

Though the Philadelphia Phillies didn’t acquire Manny Machado over the All-Stark Break, they didn’t get worse in their four days off. The San Diego Padres did, at least in the interim, as they traded their two-time All-Star reliever Brad Hand to the Cleveland Indians Thursday.

The Phillies are hoping they can ride the momentum of the hot play of two of their own, who had impressive showings on the national stage during the All-Star Break. Rhys Hoskins had an incredible performance in the Home Run Derby, hitting 37 home runs in two rounds before being eliminated. Then in the All-Star Game, Aaron Nola pitched a scoreless inning, striking out Salvador Perez and Mookie Betts in the process. 

Jake Arrieta will get the ball to kick off this series. He is looking to gather momentum after two very good outings against the Pirates and the Marlins. In the second game of the series, we will see Vince Velasquez pitch for the second game since returning from forearm injury. Finishing off the series will be Nick Pivetta, who is coming off a win in a makeup game series against the Orioles. He racked up seven strikeouts in six innings pitched. 

Pitching Matchups

Game 1: Clayton Richard (7-8, 4.43 ERA, 4.17 FIP) vs. Jake Arrieta (7-6, 3.23 ERA, 4.06 FIP) 

Game 2:  TBA vs. Vince Velasquez (5-8, 4.39 ERA, 3.78 FIP)

Game 3: TBA vs. Nick Pivetta (6-7, 4.58 ERA, 3.75 FIP)

Where to Watch/Listen

Game 1

TV: NBC Sports Philadelphia

Radio: SportsRadio 94 WIP

Game 2

TV: NBC Sports Philadelphia

Radio: SportsRadio 94 WIP

Game 3

TV: NBC Sports Philadelphia

Radio: SportsRadio 94 WIP

Series Notes

1. The Padres are 27th in the MLB in batting average at .232.
2. Jake Arrieta has allowed two runs and nine hits in his last two starts.
3. Ironically, the Phillies announced prior to Friday’s game that they have optioned Enyel De Los Santos to Triple-A, as Mitch Walding has been recalled. De Los Santos, of course, was acquired from the San Diego Padres in the Freddy Galvis trade this past December. Galvis, who spent parts of six seasons with the Phillies, will return to Philadelphia this evening for the first time since the trade.
4. Eight of Rhys Hoskins’ 14 home runs on the year have come at Citizens Bank Park.