David Buchanan goes to work against Lester and the A’s
Jun 19, 2014; St. Louis, MO, USA; Philadelphia Phillies starting pitcher David Buchanan (55) celebrates after getting out of the sixth inning against the St. Louis Cardinals at Busch Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports
The Philadelphia Phillies call on David Buchanan to shut down the Oakland Athletics Friday night and try to salvage what has, so far, been a tough road trip.
Buchanan and the Phillies are coming off a rough four-game series with the San Diego Padres, in which the Phillies took just one win. They now have three games against Oakland before heading to Miami.
The A’s, however, are also coming out of a rough series. They were swept by the Texas Rangers, the team with the worst record in the majors, as part of their woeful second half.
With a 3.75 ERA and 6-7 record, Buchanan is looking for a win after not getting a win-loss decision in his last five starts. The righty has won just two of his last ten outings.
For the A’s, Jon Lester is looking to get his new team back in the postseason conversation. Lester was acquired from the Boston Red Sox before the July 31st non-waiver trade deadline and he’s proven a solid pick up over his first nine starts with Oakland. During that time he’s given up three earned runs or less in every start.
Lester has seen limited time against National League opponents this season; he’s given up eight earned runs on 21 hits in 19.1 innings.
The Phillies’ offense will hope to get to Lester early with a different look than usual. Ryan Howard will serve as designated hitter while Darin Ruf will man first base and hit seventh. As a first baseman Ruf is hitting .343, significantly better than his .219 average as a leftfielder.
Freddy Galvis will once again serve as the Phillies’ shortstop, but it’s possible Jimmy Rollins could find his way back on the field while the team is still in Oakland.
Phillies lineup:
Reverce CF
Ruiz C
Utley 2B
Howard DH
Byrd RF
Brown LF
Ruf 1B
Franco 3B
Galvis SS
Buchanan P
Athletics lineup:
Crisp CF
Fuld RF
Donaldson 3B
Dunn DH
Moss LF
Vogt 1B
Lowrie SS
Norris C
Sogard 2B
Lester P