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Phillies Series Preview: vs Atlanta Braves

By Matt Veasey

Jul 1, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; A Philadelphia Phillies fan holds an American flag during the first inning against the Kansas City Royals at Citizens Bank Park. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 1, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; A Philadelphia Phillies fan holds an American flag during the first inning against the Kansas City Royals at Citizens Bank Park. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jun 25, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; (EDITORS NOTE: MULTIPLE EXPOSURE IMAGE) Atlanta Braves starting pitcher Teheran (49) throws a pitch against the New York Mets in the fifth inning in this multiple exposure image at Turner Field. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 25, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; (EDITORS NOTE: MULTIPLE EXPOSURE IMAGE) Atlanta Braves starting pitcher Teheran (49) throws a pitch against the New York Mets in the fifth inning in this multiple exposure image at Turner Field. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports /

PITCHING MATCHUPS: BRAVES AT PHILLIES

MONDAY: Jerad Eickhoff (5-9, 3.38 ERA) vs Joel De La Cruz (0-1, 4.50 ERA): De La Cruz is a longtime minor league veteran getting a big league opportunity due to both a series of injuries and the fact that the Braves are simply not very good. The now 27-year old righty originally signed with Milwaukee as an amateur free agent way back in 2006 and is on his fourth organization, with most of his time spent in the Yankees farm system. Mostly used as a reliever in the minors, he has made 42 starts. He gave Atlanta a Quality Start in his big league debut, lasting six innings while allowing three earned runs and seven hits vs the Cleveland Indians on June 29th. He struck out one and walked one in that outing, and this will be just his second start in the majors. Eickhoff has been strong, allowing two or fewer earned runs in five of his last six starts. 10 of his 16 starts have been Quality Starts this season.

TUESDAY: Zach Eflin (0-2, 5.75 ERA) vs Mike Foltynewicz (2-2, 3.72 ERA): Foltynewicz is a 24-year old righty who was the 1st round pick of the Houston Astros in the 2010 MLB Amateur Draft at 19th overall out of an Illinois high school. He came to Atlanta in the Evan Gattis deal back in January of 2015. He has made 22 big league starts over 41 appearances, and after beginning the year at AAA is now a regular member of the Atlanta rotation. He missed all of June with bone spurs in his elbow, lasting just three innings in his first start back off the DL, making 61 pitches against Miami on June 30th. Eflin is making his 5th career big league start after being promoted from AAA in mid-June. After being blown out early in his first start, his last three have been solid outings, having allowed just 15 hits and walking just one batter over 17.2 innings.

WEDNESDAY: Jeremy Hellickson (6-6, 4.06 ERA) vs Julio Teheran (3-7, 2.72 ERA): Teheran is the ace of the Atlanta rotation, and one of the best starters in the National League. The 25-year old right-hander has allowed just 81 hits over 112.2 innings with a 105/24 K:BB ratio with a 0.932 WHIP. Already in his 6th season at just age 25, Teheran’s name is being bandied about in numerous trade rumors, and those whispers could become a roar as the MLB trade deadline draws closer towards the end of the month. Hellickson is similarly going to be finding his name rumored heavily. A free agent following this season, the righty has been solid for the Phillies, who can move him later in the month and promote prospect Jake Thompson. The more strong outings that Hellickson produces, the better return price the Phils can demand as teams compete for his services.

Next: PHILLIES KEYS TO VICTORY OVER BRAVES

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