A day after implying Daniel Nava could overtake Michael Saunders in the outfield platoon (see story), Pete Mackanin is sticking to his word.
Nava, who has hit Nava .313 with a .927 OPS in 67 at-bats this season, will bat in the two-hole and play left field vs. the Red Sox.
Saunders, he of the $9 million contract, is hitting just .203 this season and looked lost in Sunday's loss to the Cardinals with two strikeouts in four at-bats.
Playing at Fenway, the Phillies will use Maikel Franco as their designated hitter, while Andres Blanco will take his spot at third base and hit sixth, one spot ahead of Franco in the lineup. Franco went 1 for 3 with two RBIs as the Phillies' DH in a loss to the Rangers on May 18.
With Cesar Hernandez on the disabled list, Odubel Herrera remains in the leadoff spot where he thrived with three hits and two RBIs Sunday.
Andrew Knapp will catch for the struggling Jerad Eickhoff (see game notes). In a limited sample size, Eickhoff has better numbers with Knapp behind the plate. Although he has a higher ERA with Knapp - 5.91 to a 5.00 with Cameron Rupp - hitters have a much lower batting average, on-base percentage and OPS with Knapp behind the plate.
Philadelphia Phillies
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Here is the Phillies lineup:
1. Odubel Herrera, CF
2. Daniel Nava, LF
3. Aaron Altherr, RF
4. Howie Kendrick, 2B
5. Tommy Joseph, 1B
6. Andres Blanco, 3B
7. Maikel Franco, DH
8. Andrew Knapp, C
9. Freddy Galvis, SS
P: Jerad Eickhoff
