Phillies and Tigers open series in Detroit amidst trade speculation

The Philadelphia Phillies (52-48) and Detroit Tigers (30-65) open a quick two-game Interleague series at Comerica Park with a Tuesday night match-up in Motown. The two clubs met previously at the end of April, splitting a two game set at Citizens Bank Park.

The Phillies have won three of their last four games as they fight to stay in the National League Wildcard race. The club is currently tied with the Milwaukee Brewers, a half-game behind the Saint Louis Cardinals in the battle for the second of two NL Wildcard playoff berths.

Losers in 16 of their last 20 games, the Tigers are suffering through a season in which they are challenging only for the top pick in next year’s MLB Draft. It is a season and a period in Tigers history that is absolutely reminiscent of a place where the Phillies found themselves about four years ago.

As a sidebar to the actual baseball taking place on the field, the MLB trade deadline is looming, just eight days away. Tonight’s starting pitcher for the Tigers is one of the most talked about arms as that deadline approaches. Phillies general manager Matt Klentak will be in the ballpark, believed to be scouting a number of Detroit players for possible deals.

 

TUESDAY STARTING LINEUPS

PHILLIES

1. Scott Kingery SS
2. Rhys Hoskins 1B
3. Bryce Harper RF
4. J.T. Realmuto C
5. Cesar Hernandez 2B
6. Maikel Franco 3B
7. Adam Haseley RF
8. Roman Quinn CF
9. Nick Williams LF

 

TIGERS

1. JaCoby Jones CF
2. Harold Castro 2B
3. Miguel Cabrera DH
4. Nicholas Castellanos RF
5. Jeimer Candelario 3B
6. Niko Goodrum 1B
7. Christin Stewart LF
8. John Hicks C
9. Jordy Mercer SS

 

SHIBE VINTAGE SPORTS STARTING PITCHING MATCHUP

PHILLIES – Aaron Nola: 8-2, 3.77 ERA, 110 hits over 121.2 IP across 21 starts with a 138/51 K:BB

TIGERS – Matthew Boyd: 6-8, 4.13 ERA, 112 hits over 120 IP across 20 starts with a 160/24 K:BB

 

PHILLIES NUGGETS PREGAME NOTES

• Back on February 28 in the immediate aftermath of the Bryce Harper signing, the Phillies moved into the top five MLB teams in World Series betting odds. Per the site SportsBettingDime.com, the Phillies dropped out of the top ten by early July and have now been passed by the Nationals as the third betting choice from the NL East.
• The Tigers actually have a worse record at home (13-34) than on the road (17-31) this season. They are just 23-54 against right-handed starters, and 5-13 in Interleague contests this year.
• These two franchise’ have met just 20 times in their long histories, with Detroit taking 12 of those. The Tigers are 5-4 against the Phillies during their meetings at Comerica Park.
• Castellanos recorded the first walk-off hit and homer of his Tigers career on Sunday. His day also included his MLB-leading 34th double of the season. With two extra-base hits on Sunday, he now ranks tied for sixth in the American League with 48 XBH. Dating to June 2, Castellanos has hit safely in 35-of-40 games, batting .314/.389/.513 with 16 doubles, five home runs and 14 RBI.
• Jones had two hits for the Tigers on Sunday, including a solo home run, his 10th of the season. Since May 24, Jones is hitting .320/.374/.586 with 12 doubles, two triples, six home runs and 17 RBI in 36 games

Phillies series opposition preview: Detroit Tigers

TICKET IQ PROGRAMMING INFORMATION

• Tuesday July 23 at 7:10 pm EDT vs. the Detroit Tigers at Comerica Park 
• TV: NBC Sports Philadelphia
• Radio: SportsRadio 94 WIP, WTTM 1680 (Spanish)

 

MORE FROM PHILLIES NATION:

• Phillies have made inquiries on Tigers pitchers Matt Boyd, Shane Greene
• Could Matt Harvey or Derek Holland upgrade the Phillies pitching staff?
• Now beginning to appear that Madison Bumgarner may not be dealt after all
• Alec Bohm and Spencer Howard appear to be trade deadline untouchables
• Phillies playoff picture: July 22
• VIDEO: Brandy Halladay’s speech at Roy Halladay’s Hall of Fame induction