Series Preview: Phillies at Brewers

After a series loss in Arizona in which they took the finale to avoid a sweep, and following an off-day on Thursday, the Phillies (46-69) are now in Milwaukee to tackle the Brewers (48-68), another team among the league’s worst. The series will take place in Miller Park, which has slightly longer dimensions to the foul poles than Citizens Bank Park.

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The Brewers made significant headlines this past week when they announced their 13-year general manager, Doug Melvin, decided to step down to become an advisor. They supposedly are trying to follow the latest MLB wave of finding a younger, more analytical-based GM as his successor.

The Brew Crew was just swept by one of their divisional foes, the Chicago Cubs. That sweep has them 26.5 games behind the NL Central-leading Cardinals. Their offense, which has been a big part of the reason for their struggles, is led by outfielder Ryan Braun (.277/.346/.495, 20 HR, 65 RBI, 18 SB), outfielder Gerardo Parra (.328/.369/.517, 9 HR, 31 RBI, 9 SB), and 1st baseman Adam Lind (.284/.363/.486, 17 HR, 66 RBI).

The Phillies were blown out in the first two games of the previous series against the Diamondbacks. The series loss has them a half game behind the Marlins, and again with the worst record in baseball. Their offense needs to once again catch fire so they can get back on track.

Leading that offensive attack for the Fightin’ Phils are outfielder Odubel Herrera (.285/.315/.421, 6 HR, 32 RBI, 11 SB), 2nd baseman Cesar Hernandez (.292/.363/.378, 1 HR, 27 RBI, 17 SB), and 1st baseman Ryan Howard (.235/.284/.452, 19 HR, 64 RBI). The Phillies’ best hitter, 3rd sacker Maikel Franco (left wrist), is day to day after being hit by a pitch vs the Dbacks.

Despite taking the series loss in Arizona, the Phillies have still managed to put a solid road trip (4-2) together, and have a good opportunity to improve upon it against a weak Brewers team. Another factor here is the possible end of an era, as trade rumors involving Chase Utley are running rampant as this series opens. Will we see Chase in a Phils’ uniform this weekend?

PITCHING MATCHUPS:

Adam Morgan (3-3, 4.06 ERA) v. Wily Peralta (2-7, 4.48 ERA) – Last week, Morgan delivered a solid bounce-back start (6 IP, 1 ER, 6 H, 1 BB, 4 SO). Morgan has been a nice surprise for the Phillies, a huge help in a weak rotation. He’ll look to build off last week’s start and get his club off on the right foot tonight. After having a solid season last year (17-11, 3.53 ERA), Peralta has been somewhat of a disappointment in 2015. He too is coming off a decent bounce-back start (7 IP, 3 ER, 5 H, 1 BB, 3 SO) even though he took the loss. Peralta has lost two straight, and would love to turn that around tonight.

Jerome Williams (4-8, 5.78 ERA) v. Jimmy Nelson (9-9, 3.65 ERA) – For quite a while, Williams had been terrible for the Phillies. However, last week he put together two straight strong starts. His best of the season came on Sunday in San Diego (7 IP, 1 ER, 5 H, 0 BB, 3 SO). Williams could revert to old form at any time, so who knows which version will show up at Miller Park on Saturday night? Nelson is having a breakout season, which is largely due to his recent stellar pitching. In his last seven outings, Nelson has a 4-1 record, 1.93 ERA, and 44 strikeouts in 46.2 innings pitched. Pitching at a top level, he presents quite the challenge for the Phillies on Saturday.

Aaron Harang (5-13, 4.52 ERA) v. Taylor Jungmann (6-4, 2.42 ERA) – Harang was absolutely crushed on Monday in Arizona (5.1 IP, 8 ER, 12 H, 1 BB, 4 SO). Three starts removed from the DL, he’s been mediocre at best since his return. The Phils will need Harang to break out of this funk so they have a shot against a tough rookie. Jungmann has put together a terrific campaign for Milwaukee this year. He is, however, coming off the worst start of his young career (2.2 IP, 2 ER, 5 H, 3 BB, 3 SO). Unfortunately for the Phils, Jungmann will likely be extra motivated to pitch a strong game and show he’s still a dominant rookie.

SERIES KEYS:

Get Franco back – As mentioned earlier, Franco is considered day-to-day after getting hit in the wrist by a pitch. Perhaps he could appear at some point in this series after getting a few days off. The rookie 3rd baseman has been the Phils’ best hitter (.277/.340/.490, 13 HR, 48 RBI) by far, so his bat would provide a tremendous boost if he were to return.

Good outing from Morgan – With both Williams and Harang stuck in inconsistency, Morgan is probably the best pitcher going for the Phillies this weekend. After experiencing lots of poor pitching this week, the Phillies really need Morgan to step up and set the tone for the series – though it would be nice for the two vets to show up as well.

BROADCAST INFORMATION:

Friday: 8:10 PM, TV: CSN, Radio: 1210 WPHT, 94 WIP, WTTM 1680 (Sp.)

Saturday: 7:10 PM, TV: NBC10, Radio: 1210 WPHT, 94 WIP, WTTM 1680 (Sp.)

Sunday: 2:10 PM, TV: CSN, Radio: 1210 WPHT, 98.1 WOGL, WTTM 1680 (Sp.)

NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE forecast for Millers Park in Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Miller Park features North America’s only fan-shaped convertible roof, which can open and close in less than 10 minutes. Inclement weather will not affect the series, but warm weather could cause the roof to be closed at some point, however.

Tonight

A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly before 9pm. Partly cloudy, with a low around 68. West wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.

Saturday

Sunny, with a high near 86. West wind around 5 mph becoming south in the afternoon.

Saturday Night

Mostly clear, with a low around 69. South wind around 5 mph becoming southwest after midnight.

Sunday

Sunny, with a high near 89. Southwest wind 5 to 15 mph.

INJURIES / DISABLED LISTS

BREWERS report no current injury situations.