Phillies look to split series in Anaheim
Aug 12, 2014; Anaheim, CA, USA; Los Angeles Angels shortstop Erick Aybar (2) is unable to catch a ball as Philadelphia Phillies designated hitter Ryan Howard (6) slides into second during the sixth inning at Angel Stadium of Anaheim. Mandatory Credit: Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports
The inconsistent Jerome Williams made a bid to pick up a win Tuesday night in his Phillies debut and the inconsistent A.J. Burnett looks to do the same to salvage a two-game series against the Angels Wednesday night.
Burnett (6-12) has earned just two wins in his last ten starts with two no-decisions. The veteran currently leads the National League in walks with 68. One thing Burnett can say, he hasn’t let his age keep him off the mound. The 37-year-old has pitched the 7th most innings in the National League with 157.1, even though he only has one complete game in 2014.
If fatigue is the issue with Burnett, he may struggle against an Angels lineup that came alive Tuesday for a seven-run sixth inning. In particular, Josh Hamilton and Albert Pujols could be trouble. Both sluggers went 1-for-3 in Tuesday night’s game. Lifetime they are a combined 10-for-37 against Burnett with two doubles, three home runs and seven runs batted in.
The Angels send Jered Weaver to the mound with a 12-7 record and a 3.68 ERA. Of the 25 games started by Weaver this season, the Angels have won 15 of them. Weaver is coming off a six-inning effort in which he took a loss, giving up four runs on seven hits.
In his career, Weaver has seen little of the Phillies lineup and just 12.2 innings against National League opponents in 2014. Those 12.2 were against NL East teams, the Washington Nationals and New York Mets. He gave up five runs on seven hits.
Phillies outfielder Grady Sizemore is 6-for-25 lifetime against Weaver with two RBIs, both solo home runs. Sizemore has not been in the Phillies starting lineup since Sunday despite boasting a .311 batting average.
Ryan Howard served as designated hitter Tuesday in Anaheim, going 1-for-3 and a sacrifice fly. He has 73 RBIs this season, third most in the National League.