Morning Phil Up – 4/16/2014 – Ryne Sandberg does not spend his off day sending a letter to Shake Shack

Image Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports

Yesterday’s Game

The Phillies had a scheduled off day.

Off Day News

The Phillies were fairly inactive during their day off. But one thing is clear: Ryne Sandberg definitely did not send a letter to Shake Shack.

Today’s Game

Cincinnati Reds (18-21) at Philadelphia Phillies (17-21)

Alfredo Simon (31) pitches during the first inning against the Colorado Rockies at Great American Ball Park. Image Credit: Frank Victores-USA TODAY Sports

TV: CSN

Game time: 7:05 PM

Starting pitchers: Alfredo Simon (4-2) vs. Kyle Kendrick (0-3)

Preview

The Phillies will look to snap a three-game losing streak behind Kyle Kendrick who has yet to win a game in 2014. His winless state is not necessarily due to poor performance though. He has a sub-4.00 ERA and has generally kept the team in most of his starts.

After spending the majority of his career in relief, Reds starter Alfredo Simon is getting his first extended opportunity as part of a rotation this season. Thus far, he’s taken to it rather well, evidenced by his 4-2 record and 2.89 ERA. He is coming off a rough outing, and the Phillies hope to do better against him than they did against Matt Shoemaker – another reliever turned starter – on Tuesday.

Link of Interest

Philliedelphia – The Phillies are in need of a lineup shakeup

The Phillies offense has vanished lately, and it may be time for a change in the team’s lineup. One switch that could be made is dropping Ben Revere from the leadoff spot. Revere may not be an everyday-caliber player, so he certainly shouldn’t be getting the most at bats out of anyone on the team.

Tweet of Importance

Remember, it isn’t news until you’ve heard it from Darren Rovell’s Twitter feed!