Phillies Preview: vs San Francisco Giants
By Matt Veasey
The Philadelphia Phillies return briefly from a lengthy road trip to host the San Francisco Giants at Citizens Bank Park.
The Phillies, fourth place in the NL East Division and losers of 10 of their last 15 games play host to the San Francisco Giants, first place in the NL West Division, but losers of 11 of their last 15 games.
This three game series at Citizens Bank Park will be the first time that home fans have had a chance to visit the gorgeous South Philly ballpark since July 21st, as the team spent the last 10 games out on a road trip largely due to the Democratic National Convention held last week across the street at the Wells Fargo Center.
It will be the last time that those fans who wander down get to enjoy the home digs for another week, as the team leaves that quickly for another six game road swing out west to San Diego and Colorado starting next weekend.
The MLB non-waiver trade deadline passed yesterday with the Phillies doing nothing. Not so the contending Giants, who dealt away 3rd baseman Matt Duffy and two prospects to the Tampa Bay Rays in exchange for lefty starting pitcher Matt Moore, who is likely to pitch against the Phils in this series finale on Thursday.
The Giants offense was bolstered by the return to the lineup after a lengthy DL stint of former popular Phillies outfielder Hunter Pence.
In addition, Buster Posey, Angel Pagan, and Brandon Belt remain as key offensive producers for the club as it goes for its fourth straight even-years World Series crown. Bruce Bochy’s club won the Fall Classic previously in 2010, 2012, and 2014.
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