Phillies Notes: Neshek on the IL Again; Lineup Shakeup
The Phillies were swept in a doubleheader on Wednesday in Washington, D.C. against the Nationals. The mood was not a good one. The Phillies scored just two runs all day, and to cap it off, the Phillies found another reliever on the Injured List...again. Ahead of Thursdays game, the Phillies shook up the lineup and made a roster move.
Neshek Hurt Again
Entering the game with the Phillies just down one run in the eighth inning, Pat Neshek was just able to get two outs, allowing a home run along the way. Facing batter four, Neshek grimaced and grabbed his hamstring area.
Today the Phillies announced that he would be placed on the 10-day Injured List. Ranger Suarez takes Neshek's roster spot for now.
New Lineup
In the wake of the injury to Andrew McCutchen, the Phillies have struggled as an offense and in particular in the leadoff spot. Cesar Hernandez went stone cold in that role, and almost immediately afterward Jean Segura struggled similarly. Another player will assume that role in a lineup that is very different than others.
It will function as follows:
- Bryce Harper, RF
- Rhys Hoskins, 1B
- Jay Bruce, LF
- J.T. Realmuto, C
- Segura, SS
- Scott Kingery, CF
- Hernandez, 2B
- Maikel Franco, 3B
- Nick Pivetta, P
The move gives another opportunity to Franco, who has not gotten much playing time as of late. It's mostly his own fault; he was batting just .135 in his last 15 games. Franco started neither game of yesterday's double-header.
As Mike Gill noted on the Sports Bash last evening, why not give Franco a chance? The Phillies have relied on Sean Rodriguez and last night Brad Miller to play third base. Until a better, external option comes a long, he will get a chance tonight and other times in the future.
The game tonight, once again, will be affected by rain. The Phillies and Nationals are expected to begin the game in a rain delay.