Let's just say the bloom has come off the Tommy Joseph rose some over the last few weeks.
After busting on the scene with seven homers and 12 RBI in his first 21 games following his call-up from Triple A in early May, the 24-year-old rookie first baseman has struggled mightily at the plate in his last 19 games. Since June 11, Joseph is batting just .114 (8 for 70) with 19 strikeouts. His average for the season is down to .215.
With Ryan Howard's much-publicized struggles, it's going to be up to Joseph to hit his way out this slump. His next chance to do that comes today when the Phillies host the Braves in a July 4 matinee (see games notes).
It could be a good day for Joseph, who will bat sixth, to get going as he'll be facing against Braves rookie Jose De La Cruz, who will be making his second career start. The two did not face each in Triple A earlier this season.
Joseph did not start Sunday in the win against the Royals, but he did pinch hit in the eighth inning. That at-bat ended with a flyout to left.
The rest of Monday's lineup looks like it usually has over the past couple of weeks as the Phils have averaged 5.73 runs in their last 13 games.
The teams' full lineups:
Philadelphia Phillies
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Phillies
1. Odubel Herrera CF
2. Peter Bourjos RF
3. Cody Asche LF
4. Maikel Franco 3B
5. Cameron Rupp C
6. Tommy Joseph 1B
7. Freddy Galvis SS
8. Cesar Hernandez 2B
9. Jerad Eickhoff SP
Braves
1. Jace Pederson 2B
2. Erick Aybar SS
3. Freddie Freeman 1B
4. Nick Markakis RF
5. Jeff Francouer LF
6. A.J. Pierzynski C
7. Brandon Snyder 3B
8. Emilio Bonifacio CF
9. Jose De La Cruz SP
