Jimmy Rollins is back in the lineup and Cliff Lee makes his second start of the season against Jeff Samardzija and the Cubs on Saturday afternoon.
After playing short a man the past two games, the Phillies get J-Roll back at shortstop from unofficial paternity leave on Saturday afternoon. Rollins, who has a homer and five RBIs in his first two games, will bat second against Chicago righty Jeff Samardzija.
Carlos Ruiz, who's batted in the two-hole for consecutive games, gets the afternoon off in favor of backup catcher Wil Nieves, who will make his Phillies debut. The club suffers a significant dropoff in offense with Nieves, who has a career slash line of .242/.283/.314. He went just 5 for 24 in spring training (all singles).
And Cliff Lee gets a chance to rebound from his poor performance on opening day, when he blew a 6-0 lead and allowed eight runs and 11 hits in five innings. Lee is 4-0 in his career against the Cubs with a 1.95 ERA and 1.22 WHIP in seven starts.
WATCH FOR...
- Jimmy Rollins' chase for home run No. 201. J-Roll has seven career homers at Wrigley Field in just 46 games — third-most of any visiting ballpark after Turner Field (10) and Dolphin/Landshark/Sun Life Stadium (10). But don't expect the winds to help — compared to Friday, they're expected to be more calm (7-10 mph blowing left field to right).
- Key matchups for Cliff Lee: Justin Ruggiano (4 for 10, 3 2B), Darwin Barney (3 for 6, 2B), Emilio Bonifacio (1 for 10)
- Key matchups for Jeff Samardzija: Chase Utley (4 for 13, 3 2B, 3B), Jimmy Rollins (2 for 10, 2B)
- We're officially on watch for Brad Lincoln, who will be the only player on the 25-man roster yet to play after Nieves starts today. Lincoln, a former fourth overall pick whom the Phils acquired from Toronto for Erik Kratz, struck out 14 batters in 11.2 innings in the spring.
Here are the lineups:
Phillies
1. Ben Revere, CF
2. Jimmy Rollins, SS
3. Chase Utley, 2B
4. Ryan Howard, 1B
5. Marlon Byrd, RF
6. Domonic Brown, LF
7. Wil Nieves, C
8. Cody Asche, 3B
9. Cliff Lee, P
Cubs
1. Emilio Bonifacio (S), CF
2. Starlin Castro (R), SS
3. Justin Ruggiano (R), RF
4. Anthony Rizzo (L), 1B
5. Junior Lake (R), LF
6. Mike Olt (R), 3B
7. Welington Castillo (R), C
8. Darwin Barney (R), 2B
9. Jeff Samardzija (R), P
So I guess the splitting lefties in the lineup only comes against left-handed starters?
Seems like it misses the point about relief pitchers, though I suppose it makes a little sense against a righty starter.
Posted by: Jack | Saturday, April 05, 2014 at 01:56 PM
I think asche's been decent enough to warrant a slightly higher spot in the order. If the wind was calmer yesterday, his OF hit would've gone out.
Posted by: mm | Saturday, April 05, 2014 at 02:04 PM
Jack: It does miss the point. I guess moving Howard to 5th against a LH starter could be of benefit if, for instance, it results in Byrd coming up (instead of Howard) with 2 outs & men on base. But the main reason you split the lefties is to punish the opposing manager if he brings in a LOOGY later in the game. That rationale applies regardless whether there's a RH or LH starter on the mound for the opposing team.
Posted by: bay_area_phan | Saturday, April 05, 2014 at 02:14 PM
But what about Ryan Howard's 130 OPS+ vs. LHP so far in 2014? #bouncebackyear
Posted by: SSS Alert | Saturday, April 05, 2014 at 02:25 PM
what a catch !!
Posted by: bullit | Saturday, April 05, 2014 at 02:37 PM
Proof once again PED right fielder> antisemitic right fielder
Posted by: terry harmon | Saturday, April 05, 2014 at 02:40 PM
Good to see Cliff enjoying the hitting again~!
Posted by: can_of_corn | Saturday, April 05, 2014 at 02:59 PM
I'm guessing that defense will play strongly again in this inning.
Posted by: Meyer | Saturday, April 05, 2014 at 03:10 PM
Nice Ab by Howard again. Lots of deep counts.
Posted by: bittel | Saturday, April 05, 2014 at 03:23 PM
Howard popping them to left for a hit. I like this. (instead of a SO).
Posted by: Meyer | Saturday, April 05, 2014 at 03:24 PM
"Hit" is a very dubious term, as he'd've been out had Lake managed to keep control of the ball.
But nice to see them pocket a run when the opportunity presented itself.
Posted by: Juums | Saturday, April 05, 2014 at 03:28 PM
How CAN'T the neighborhood play be reviewable? The bag is touched, or not.
Posted by: bittel | Saturday, April 05, 2014 at 03:30 PM
Can Nieves hit to the right side. Daggum, Howard and Brown go to left and with 1 out Nieves hits into a DP. I learned more about challenging a play from Franzke in the last 1/2 inning than I read from anything on line. He studies this game.
Posted by: Meyer | Saturday, April 05, 2014 at 03:32 PM
The history and spirit of the game, blah blah blah
Posted by: NEPP | Saturday, April 05, 2014 at 03:32 PM
Howie Wowie.
Posted by: Meyer | Saturday, April 05, 2014 at 03:33 PM
"Hit" is a very dubious term, as he'd've been out had Lake managed to keep control of the ball.
*****************
To be fair to Howard, that would haw been a pretty tough catch to make.
Posted by: NEPP | Saturday, April 05, 2014 at 03:34 PM
NEPP:
Oh yes. Howard did his job. But so did Lake, as he did have the ball until he rolled over his glove and it popped out. I think the real hero of the play was Chase Utley, who was smart enough on the basepaths to not go trotting back to first when Lake dived and appeared to catch it.
Posted by: Juums | Saturday, April 05, 2014 at 03:37 PM
@bittel that cam't be a neighborhood play by definition. That was a joke. If that was reviewable, through five games Sandberg is making Chollie look like a managing genius.
Posted by: Pblunts | Saturday, April 05, 2014 at 03:38 PM
Nice hit.
Posted by: Meyer | Saturday, April 05, 2014 at 03:42 PM
Another SB for Benny...lookin good so far.
Of course an even average throw would have nailed him there.
Posted by: NEPP | Saturday, April 05, 2014 at 03:44 PM
Shame Rollins can't play defense any longer.
Posted by: bittel | Saturday, April 05, 2014 at 03:47 PM
Nice play Jimmy.
Posted by: NEPP | Saturday, April 05, 2014 at 03:47 PM
Great pick by Rollins, he ought to wear ear flaps all the time.
Posted by: kuvasz | Saturday, April 05, 2014 at 03:48 PM
Washed up!!!
Posted by: NEPP | Saturday, April 05, 2014 at 03:49 PM
Gotta make that play, Cody.
Posted by: NEPP | Saturday, April 05, 2014 at 03:51 PM
Seeing-eye garbage costing Lee pitches (hopefully not runs).
Posted by: bittel | Saturday, April 05, 2014 at 03:52 PM
That Rollins has seemed to overperform the pessimists' expectations of him has been a pleasant surprise, at least defensively. It'd be nice if that nice turn-and-throw wasn't karmic redemption for chasing that high heater to end the past inning.
Posted by: Juums | Saturday, April 05, 2014 at 03:52 PM
Here's to Rollins. He knows.
Posted by: Meyer | Saturday, April 05, 2014 at 03:55 PM
I think I've already had enough of video review, managers' challenges, and talk by the announcers of reviews and challenges. It's an unwelcome further step towards NFL-levels of tedium in baseball.
Posted by: Bake McBride Was Here | Saturday, April 05, 2014 at 03:56 PM
Sometimes the BABIP Gods smile...
Posted by: NEPP | Saturday, April 05, 2014 at 03:57 PM
Kinda surprising that Nieves is above Asche in the lineup
Posted by: NEPP | Saturday, April 05, 2014 at 04:06 PM
I know George Kottaras was cut by...whoever he signed with. Is he still available? At least he'd be a back-up C that could get on-base. (Of course, he's a defensive butcher, but if it'd spare us another Wil Nieves PA, I could learn to live with that!)
Posted by: Juums | Saturday, April 05, 2014 at 04:08 PM
I thought for a moment that the sound was messed up on my iPad because I couldn't hear the announcers...then I realized that I had switched over to the Cubs broadcast and they weren't constantly talking the entire time.
Posted by: NEPP | Saturday, April 05, 2014 at 04:19 PM
Jeff Samardzija, remember that name.
Posted by: Meyer | Saturday, April 05, 2014 at 04:24 PM
Nasty cutter by Clifton
Posted by: NEPP | Saturday, April 05, 2014 at 04:28 PM
Pre Achilles Howard easily makes that catch.
Posted by: NEPP | Saturday, April 05, 2014 at 04:29 PM
Not a good defensive game here from Howard.
Posted by: bittel | Saturday, April 05, 2014 at 04:29 PM
Howard probably can jump a good 2-3 inches off the ground.
Just nasty by Lee there for the K!
Posted by: NEPP | Saturday, April 05, 2014 at 04:31 PM
Well it wasn't other-worldly by Lee today ... but it was workmanlike effective for seven innings.
Posted by: Phillies Dude | Saturday, April 05, 2014 at 04:35 PM
Utley is fun to watch when he's locked in.
Posted by: NEPP | Saturday, April 05, 2014 at 04:39 PM
300 career doubles now for Chase.
Posted by: NEPP | Saturday, April 05, 2014 at 04:40 PM
Why not PH with RFD here?
Posted by: NEPP | Saturday, April 05, 2014 at 04:41 PM
Chances of a grand slam?
Posted by: can_of_corn | Saturday, April 05, 2014 at 04:43 PM
Great AB by Dom there to work the walk...good to see him being so patient.
Posted by: NEPP | Saturday, April 05, 2014 at 04:45 PM
While NEPP says a bad bullpen can only cost you a couple of wins per season, facts tell us otherwise.
Posted by: clout | Saturday, April 05, 2014 at 04:46 PM
No they don't actually...which is why you never cite any when making comments like that.
Also since when is a 10 game difference equal "a couple games"?
Posted by: NEPP | Saturday, April 05, 2014 at 04:48 PM
NIEVES and Rupp need to trade places.
Posted by: jr | Saturday, April 05, 2014 at 04:50 PM
Rupp is just as bad offensively as Nieves...
Posted by: NEPP | Saturday, April 05, 2014 at 04:50 PM
NEPP: Go through every game last season and check off the games in which a bullpen pitcher gave up what proved to be the winning run to the other team. I stopped counting in the low 20s.
Posted by: clout | Saturday, April 05, 2014 at 04:51 PM
Now go doth at for every other team in baseball ad see what you find. Then go compare our offense to those teams to see if some of them scored runs during those bullpen innings neutralize a bullpen run scored.
Hint: EVERY bullpen gives up the winning run of a game in a fair number of games, even the best.
Posted by: NEPP | Saturday, April 05, 2014 at 04:54 PM
So if Diekman gives up 3 runs, according to you, the bullpen is fine, it's on the offense. Moronic.
Posted by: clout | Saturday, April 05, 2014 at 04:56 PM
You're basically arguing that a bullpen should be expected to give up zero runs and that the offense should never be expected to score runs while their bullpen is pitching and they already have the lead.
It's a silly pointless argument to make when it is so far removed from reality.
Posted by: NEPP | Saturday, April 05, 2014 at 04:57 PM
Do you have any more straw left after that straw man you just posted?
Posted by: NEPP | Saturday, April 05, 2014 at 04:58 PM
It's Crapelbon time!!!
Posted by: NEPP | Saturday, April 05, 2014 at 05:05 PM
NEPP: Yet that is exactly what you're saying. offense was weak so if bullpen blows this game, it's on the offense. Please tell me how that is not perfectly in synch with what you've been posting for 2 seasons now.
Posted by: clout | Saturday, April 05, 2014 at 05:05 PM
Remember everyone, if Paplbon blows this gae, it's not his fault. It's the offense.
Posted by: clout | Saturday, April 05, 2014 at 05:07 PM
Perhaps BOTH the offense and bullpen would share the blame for the loss? Perhaps it's not happening in a vacuum, eh?
Posted by: NEPP | Saturday, April 05, 2014 at 05:07 PM
Putting Papelbon in here is the right move. Sandberg can't tell Paps he's lost faith in him because he blew one game. He also had a 1-2-3 9th in game 1.
Posted by: Kashmir | Saturday, April 05, 2014 at 05:08 PM
For example, if we jumped out to a 1-0 Lead in the first and then lost 2-1 after the bullpen gave up the winning run in the 12th, under your scenario that's a "loss attributable to the bullpen" when in reality the team lost for a number of reasons and not just because of the bullpen.
Posted by: NEPP | Saturday, April 05, 2014 at 05:09 PM
Reaching back to hit 90mph...he really needs to learn how to be a pitcher if this is the new reality for him, no more just blowing it by guys.
2 down so far...looking good
Posted by: NEPP | Saturday, April 05, 2014 at 05:11 PM
NEPP: Just as you would blame the offense exclusively.
Posted by: clout | Saturday, April 05, 2014 at 05:11 PM
Ok 2 down. Pap still stinks.
Posted by: Gobaystars | Saturday, April 05, 2014 at 05:12 PM
No, actually I wouldn't...I'd say they lost as a team...as I always do when that crap happens
Posted by: NEPP | Saturday, April 05, 2014 at 05:13 PM
Sitting 89-90 and touching 91.
That won't work against a good offense
Posted by: NEPP | Saturday, April 05, 2014 at 05:14 PM
Excuselbon.
Posted by: Gobaystars | Saturday, April 05, 2014 at 05:14 PM
NEPP you're 100% right that Paps has to learn how to pitch if 90 mph is where his fastball's sitting all year.
Posted by: Kashmir | Saturday, April 05, 2014 at 05:14 PM
He'd need a much better off speed pitch and far better location/movement to be consistently successful with that.
Posted by: NEPP | Saturday, April 05, 2014 at 05:15 PM
That's Paptastic!
Posted by: NEPP | Saturday, April 05, 2014 at 05:15 PM
If Papelbon throws 90 MPH but hits his spots like he just did in that inning, he'll still be miles better than everyone else in the Phillies' pen.
Posted by: bay_area_phan | Saturday, April 05, 2014 at 05:16 PM
89-91 yuck. Scrubs are hitting 3-4 foul balls off him. He's getting it done today on luck and little else.
Posted by: Gobaystars | Saturday, April 05, 2014 at 05:16 PM
Bonifacio swings at everything. Papelbon was too close to the plate on those other pitches.
Posted by: clout | Saturday, April 05, 2014 at 05:16 PM
I have to def admit I was totally nervous with Papelbon pitching.
Let's keep it going Phils!
Posted by: Phillies Dude | Saturday, April 05, 2014 at 05:17 PM
Lee is the ultimate gamer. Great game. Win on the road and the Phillies win into the 80's.
Posted by: Meyer | Saturday, April 05, 2014 at 05:18 PM
"Bonifacio swings at everything. Papelbon was too close to the plate on those other pitches."
Perhaps, but there was pretty good movement on those pitches.
Posted by: bay_area_phan | Saturday, April 05, 2014 at 05:18 PM
Good win all the same. Win tomorrow and life is good.
Posted by: Gobaystars | Saturday, April 05, 2014 at 05:19 PM
I'd much rather see him locate well at 89-91 than reach back to hit 92 with zero command like hes been doing.
Posted by: NEPP | Saturday, April 05, 2014 at 05:19 PM
So, that makes the Phils 3-2 on the year. When was the last time they had a for-reals winning record? It's been a while, in any case.
Posted by: Juums | Saturday, April 05, 2014 at 05:21 PM
Clout = Vizzini from The Princess Bride
Just for the record.
Posted by: Bake McBride Was Here | Saturday, April 05, 2014 at 05:22 PM
Gobaystars, a 1-2-3 inning where Paps threw 13 strikes and 5 balls is better than just luck. Granted the Cubs don't have a good lineup, but they did get to Lee for 10 hits and are major league players.
Posted by: Kashmir | Saturday, April 05, 2014 at 05:24 PM
Pennant Fever!
Posted by: kuvasz | Saturday, April 05, 2014 at 05:29 PM
Papelbon looked like an MLB pitcher today. He didn't look like an elite closer who should be making $13 million a season but he was effective at least.
He's getting paid to pitch like Craig Kimbrel but, if we're really lucky, he might be Chris Perez or Huston Street going forward.
If we're lucky.
Posted by: NEPP | Saturday, April 05, 2014 at 05:35 PM
Well-played, clean game for the most part. Would be happy with a 4-2 trip even with all of the "if's."
Posted by: Pblunts | Saturday, April 05, 2014 at 05:41 PM
If we can get an effective Hamels back soon, we could at least has a punchers chance this year.
Posted by: NEPP | Saturday, April 05, 2014 at 05:44 PM
If they get starting pitching like the most recent five games (after opening day) then Hamels can take his time. Of course, that's a big if.
Anyone have an opinion on Ryne not having someone warming up behind Papelbon today? I would have definitely had Bastardo or Hollands up in the pen just in case. Or is it more important to stroke Paps' ego?
Posted by: aksmith | Saturday, April 05, 2014 at 06:08 PM
He pitched well, but the fact that Sandberg had to use Pap just to demonstrate that he hasn't lost faith in him is yet another problem with the imaginary position of "closer".
The existence of a "closer" means that decisions will be repeatedly made that put strategy second and ego/tradition first. And these decisions benefit nothing other than the future salary of the closer, whose agent will argue that pitching a scoreless 9th is worth millions of dollars more than pitching a scoreless 8th.
Posted by: Will Schweitzer | Saturday, April 05, 2014 at 06:13 PM
"He pitched well, but the fact that Sandberg had to use Pap just to demonstrate that he hasn't lost faith in him is yet another problem with the imaginary position of 'closer.'"
I agree with you in principle but, putting aside the whole silliness of the closer "position," Papelbon belonged in the game because, lost velocity notwithstanding, he's still our best reliever by a considerable margin. One bad game didn't change that.
Posted by: bay_area_phan | Saturday, April 05, 2014 at 06:52 PM
Full tilt boogie! Shutdown Clifton today.
I'm very happy that I made no predictions this year. Jus think if good Cole comes back in May, all pitches in full force, and KK stays "good KK" all year. It would be such a thrill to see the Phils, Braves, Marlins and Gnats battle it out down to the wire.
And, yes, one more Division title from these geezers; aka the Fightin' Phils. What a champange-soaked monstrosity that clincher would generate. A guy can dream, no?
Must. Sweep. Cubs.
Posted by: Rally Red '67 | Saturday, April 05, 2014 at 08:05 PM
I agree, Rally Red. I'm already dreaming about the October articles celebrating the heroics of an aging team that everyone had abandoned before the season even began.
Even if it's just for another week or two, it feels good to know that we're still in the running and things are looking hopeful.
Posted by: can_of_corn | Saturday, April 05, 2014 at 08:25 PM
Papelbon didn't overthrow today and got ahead of hitters. That is what he is going to have to do this year including pitching to contact. Hopefully he'll get ahead of enough hitters where he'll be able to work in his splitter/slider to get more groundouts and Ks.
Biggest issue isn't even the 89-90 vs 92-93. It is that his splitter is inconsistent and he doesn't trust it as sin out pitch when he needs a strike. On days where he isn't really hitting his spots he is going to have trouble getting out unscathed. Ditto putting away hitters especially those who are good at fouling off/solid plate coverage. Easily see Papelbon having a lot of 25+ pitch outings thus year because he can't put away hitters with 2 strikes.
Posted by: MG | Saturday, April 05, 2014 at 08:32 PM
Hamels has had some crappy Aprils. So the question is, will he skip his crappy month, or will it just be delayed to May?
Posted by: Conway Twitty | Saturday, April 05, 2014 at 10:20 PM
I checked his monthly stats. His career OPS against drops every month until rising slightly in sept./oct.
Posted by: Conway Twitty | Saturday, April 05, 2014 at 10:35 PM
Cliffie has poster 2 W's right out of the gate.
The way he seems snake bitten to get the W some years, this has to be a welcome change.
Just imagine someone now getting the 27 wins that Carlton posted on a crappy team.
Different game than it was then.
Posted by: Bubba | Saturday, April 05, 2014 at 11:11 PM