Kendrick and the Phillies open series against D-backs
Jul 13, 2014; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Phillies starting pitcher Kyle Kendrick (38) throws a pitch during the fourth inning against the Washington Nationals at Citizens Bank Park. The Nationals defeated the Phillies, 10-3. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports
A lot of Phillies starters have been making their potential last starts recently, but Kyle Kendrick‘s may not come via trade. If Kendrick struggles in Friday’s series opener against the Arizona Diamondbacks he may be taken out of the Philadelphia rotation.
In his last three starts, Kendrick (4-10) has not pitched longer than 5.2 innings and has allowed 18 runs. His ERA is a bloated 9.92 in that time. Friday’s matchup may also prove troublesome for the right-hander seeing as he is 0-2 in seven career starts against the D-backs.
Wade Miley (6-6) who gets the ball for Arizona Friday, has gone seven innings in his last two starts while allowing three earned runs. He’s also 1-0 lifetime against the Phillies.
Arizona brings a winning record of 6-4 in its last ten games to Citizens Bank Park where the Phillies have a 20-32 record this season have won only two of their last 11.
The Phillies lineup may look slightly different to the D-backs given that Darin Ruf and Grady Sizemore have both been given opportunities for playing time. Sizemore has done well since being called up for the Phillies, batting .306 in just ten games with the club. Ruf has been given a shot at first base with Ryan Howard having a very flat July.
Phillies manager Ryne Sandberg has tossed around the idea of platooning Ruf and Howard at first base. He’s stated he’d like to see what Ruf can do. Ruf will start for a third straight game in place of Howard, however, it could be due to the fact Miley is a left-hander.
The Diamondbacks are having no problem with their first baseman, Paul Goldschmidt. Goldschmidt is batting .375 in July with 14 extra base hits.
Phillies Starting Lineup:
1. Grady Sizemore, CF
2. Jimmy Rollins, SS
3. Chase Utley, 2B
4. Marlon Byrd, RF
5. Carlos Ruiz, C
6. Domonic Brown, LF
7. Darin Ruf, 1B
8. Cody Asche, 3B
9. Kyle Kendrick, P