Today's Lineup: Welcome to Day 1 of the Official Tommy Joseph Era

Day 1 of the Tommy Joseph era at first base has officially begun.

Not that we hadn't already known that (see story).

Joseph will bat fourth for the Phillies (29-32) today in the second game of a three-game set with the Washington Nationals (37-24) after clubbing two homers in Game 1 on Friday.

The 24-year-old brings a six-game hitting streak into today's ballgame. His streak has brought his average up to .323 with a .677 slugging percentage.

Phillies manager Pete Mackanin has been searching for offense all season long, and Joseph has come in and provided just that. His seven homers rank third on the team behind Maikel Franco (10) and Ryan Howard (9) and he's played 30 or more fewer games than those two.

It hasn't been all glory for Joseph. He has to cut down on his strikeouts, as he has 18 in 65 at-bats this season and added two more Friday night. He'll have to learn to work counts — he's walked just twice — and make pitchers work harder to get him out.

Aaron Nola (5-4, 2.65), who will bat eighth, will oppose Tanner Roark (4-4, 3.21) for the second time this season. Nola will look to play the role of stopper.

Philadelphia Phillies

Complete coverage of the Fightin' Phils and their MLB rivals from NBC Sports Philadelphia.

Phillies release Opening Day roster, place 5 players on IL

Phillies 2024 Opening Day postponed to Friday

The Phillies enter today's game losing their last two games and 13 of their last 17 games. They'll turn to their young ace to prevent a three-game losing streak.

Here are the full lineups:

Phillies
1. Odubel Herrera, CF
2. Freddy Galvis, SS
3. Maikel Franco, 3B
4. Tommy Joseph, 1B
5. Cody Asche, LF
6. Cameron Rupp, C
7. Cesar Hernandez, 2B
8. Aaron Nola, P
9. Peter Bourjos, RF

Nationals
1.
Ben Revere, LF
2. Michael Taylor, CF
3. Bryce Harper, RF
4. Daniel Murphy, 2B
5. Wilson Ramos, C
6. Clint Robinson, 1B
7. Anthony Rendon, 3B
8. Stephen Drew, SS
9. Tanner Roark, P

For more on today's game, check out Steven Tyding's game notes.

Copyright CSNPhily
Contact Us