Jerome Williams set to debut against Angels
Apr 2, 2014; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Astros starting pitcher Jerome Williams (36) pitches during the sixth inning against the New York Yankees at Minute Maid Park. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
The Angels have been struggling lately losing five of their last six games and scoring two or fewer runs in four of those losses, but they probably like their chances against the Phillies Tuesday night.
Newly acquired Jerome Williams is set to make his Phillies debut Tuesday with a 2-5 record and a 6.71 ERA from his time with the Houston Astros and Texas Rangers of the American League West earlier this season. The Angels will be a familiar foe for Williams who has faced them in three games already this season. In seven innings of work against the Angels, Williams has given up eight runs on 11 hits.
The heart of the Angels lineup is often tough for any pitcher, but Williams in particular may struggle. Albert Pujols is 4-for-18 against Williams with two home runs, a double and six RBIs. Josh Hamilton is 6-for-11 with three homers, a double and six RBIs against the Honolulu native. Mike Trout has a much smaller sample size against the righty, but is 2-for-4 with an RBI.
C.J. Wilson (8-8) takes the mound against the Phillies and he has been scuffling recently. In two games off the disabled list the lefty has given up 10 earned runs on 12 hits in just seven innings. He was initially set to toe the rubber Wednesday, but was moved up since Matt Shoemaker pitched in the Red Sox-Angels 19-inning game Saturday.
Wilson has seen little of many members of the Phillies in his nine years in the big leagues. Grady Sizemore, who has only been with the club since just before the All Star Break, is 3-for-8 with a home run and two RBIs against the southpaw.
Sean O’Sullivan was originally supposed to start for Philadelphia, but was designated for assignment to make room on the 25-man roster for Williams.
Phillies first baseman Ryan Howard has reached base in his last eight games.