The Philadelphia Phillies (85-58) return home on Monday after going 4-2 on their six-game road trip to open a three-game series against the Tampa Bay Rays (71-72) at Citizens Bank Park.
After taking both games in Toronto, the NL East-leading Phillies missed a prime opportunity to win the four-game series with the Miami Marlins. They ended up with a 2-2 split after veteran Aaron Nola didn't have it on Saturday, and prospect Seth Johnson had a tough debut on Sunday.
Despite the two rough games in Miami, since Aug. 14, the Phillies are 16-8 and still hold a 7.0-game lead in the division, ahead of the Atlanta Braves and New York Mets. Their magic number to clinch the division is down to 13 entering play today.
The Phillies come into this series with outfielder Austin Hays (kidney infection), third baseman Alec Bohm (left hand strain) and Edmundo Sosa (back spasms) on the 10-day IL, while catcher J.T. Realmuto has missed two games in a row after fouling a ball off his left knee on Friday.
The Rays come into the series 5-5 in their last 10 games after taking two of three against the Baltimore Orioles on the weekend. They're well out of the playoff picture in the American League, sitting 11.0 games back in the AL East and 5.0 games out of the AL Wild Card.
Phillies vs. Rays probable pitchers, September 9
- Cristopher Sánchez (10-9) will take the ball for the Phillies. The lefty has a 3.45 ERA and 1.26 WHIP in 27 starts. He went seven innings with seven strikeouts against the Blue Jays last time out, allowing two runs on six hits and has now posted a 2.60 ERA over his last four starts.
- Cole Sulser (0-0) will start for the Rays. The 34-year-old right-hander has a 4.35 ERA and 1.35 WHIP in seven games (one start as an opener) this season. He began the year with the Mets and hasn't allowed a run in 5 2/3 innings since joining the Rays, allowing two hits with four strikeouts and three walks.
Philadelphia Phillies starting lineup, September 9
- 1. DH Kyle Schwarber
- 2. SS Trea Turner
- 3. 1B Bryce Harper
- 4. RF Nick Castellanos
- 5. 2B Bryson Stott
- 6. LF Brandon Marsh
- 7. 3B Kody Clemens
- 8. CF Johan Rojas
- 9. C Garrett Stubbs
Tampa Bay Rays starting lineup, September 9
- 1. 1B Yandy Díaz
- 2. DH Dylan Carlson
- 3. RF Jonny DeLuca
- 4. 3B Junior Caminero
- 5. 2B José Caballero
- 6. LF Christopher Morel
- 7. SS Taylor Walls
- 8. CF Jose Siri
- 9. C Ben Rortvedt
What channel is the Philadelphia Phillies game on today?
- Game time: 6:40 p.m. ET.
- NBCSP will have the Phillies broadcast.
- The Rays broadcast will be on Bally Sports Sun.
How do I stream the Philadelphia Phillies game today?
How can I listen to the Philadelphia Phillies game today?
- The Phillies broadcast will be on 94 WIP and WTTM 1680.
- Rays fans can tune into the game on WDAE 620 AM/95.3 FM and WQBN/1300AM.