Whit Merrified making Phillies debut in Game 2 vs Braves

The Phillies offense struggled in their Opening Day loss to the Atlanta Braves on Friday, with the top four hitters going 0-14 with 15 strikouts.

Today they will hope to get some life from a new face.

The team added Whit Merrifield in the offseason, hoping to add some more offense, and today he makes his Phillies regular season debut hitting in the No. 8 spot in the lineup and playing left field.

The 35-year-old Merrifield signed with the Phillies, getting a one-year, $8 million contract with an $8 million club option for 2025. He was an All-Star in 2023 with the Blue Jays, after hitting .272 with 11 homers, 67 RBI and 26 stolen bases.

Brandon Marsh, who provided the only offense for the Phillies on Friday, is not in the lineup today with the Braves throwing a lefty, Max Fried.

The Phillies will counter with right-hander Aaron Nola, who is making his 2024 debut.

Here is the Phillies lineup for Game 2 vs Braves

1. Schwarber DH
2. Turner 6
3. Harper 3
4. Realmuto 2
5. Bohm 5
6. Castellanos 9
7. Stott 4
8. Merrifield 7
9. Rojas 8

Pitching: Nola RHP

The Braves will send this lineup out to face Nola,

Don't forget you can listen to the Phillies and Braves with coverage starting at 3:30 and first pitch at 4:05 on 97.3 ESPN.

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Gallery Credit: Josh Hennig/Townsquare Media