There was an intense atmosphere on Tuesday night in Toronto, with two teams fighting for their playoff lives in their respective leagues. Neither the Phillies (65-55) or Blue Jays (67-54) could get much established on offense, with both sides limited to four hits. In the end the Phillies fell just short, after allowing the winning run courtesy of hitting Cavan Biggio on the foot in a bases-loaded situation during the eighth inning. They'll now aim to give manager Rob Thomson the best possible birthday present on Wednesday, by splitting the series and ending a concerning three-game losing streak.
Probable starting pitchers
- It's not been a terrible season as such for Aaron Nola (9-8), but you do expect more from your staff ace. Just last season he received Cy Young votes, but this year he has had his struggles, with a 4.49 ERA and being on course for the worst home run-rate of his career. At the same time, Nola has a decent 1.139 WHIP and averages 9.3 strikeouts per nine innings. Last time out he pitched well versus the Nationals, allowing just five hits, a walk and one run in 5.0 innings.
- Kevin Gausman (9-6) is having an outstanding campaign in Toronto, which has put him in contention for the AL Cy Young come season's end. He leads the Majors with a 2.72 FIP and the AL in strikeouts, with 183. Gausman earned his second All-Star nod this season, while his 3.04 ERA is projected to be the second-best of his 11-year Major League career. In his previous start in Cleveland he threw 7.0 shutout innings, giving up just four hits and no walks in the process.
Philadelphia Phillies starting lineup, August 16
- 1. DH Kyle Schwarber
- 2. 3B Alec Bohm
- 3. 1B Bryce Harper
- 4. RF Nick Castellanos
- 5. 2B Bryson Stott
- 6. SS Trea Turner
- 7. C J.T. Realmuto
- 8. LF Jake Cave
- 9. CF Johan Rojas
Toronto Blue Jays starting lineup, August 16
- 1. LF Whit Merrifield
- 2. DH Brandon Belt
- 3. 1B Vladimir Guerrero Jr.
- 4. RF George Springer
- 5. 2B Cavan Biggion
- 6. C Alejandro Kirk
- 7. CF Daulton Varsho
- 8. 3B Santiago Espinal
- 9. SS Paul DeJong
What channel is the Philadelphia Phillies game on tonight?
- Game time - 7:07 pm ET
- NBCSP have the Phillies broadcast this evening.
- The Royals broadcast will be on Sportsnet.
- On a national stage, the game will be broadcast on MLB Network for out-of-network viewers.
How do I stream the Philadelphia Phillies game tonight?
How can I listen to the Philadelphia Phillies game tonight?
- The Phillies broadcast will be on 94 WIP and WTTM 1680.
- Blue Jays fans can tune into the game on Sportsnet 590.