Tonight's Lineup: Ryan Howard Starts Vs. a Righty

Heralded prospect Tommy Joseph went 0 for 2 with a run scored in his MLB debut Friday night, but, as Phillies manager Pete Mackanin hinted, the first-base platoon with Ryan Howard will live on. And Howard's next turn comes tonight against the Reds.

Howard returns to his normal clean-up spot against right-handed starter Tim Adelman (1-0, 2.45 ERA). On the season, Howard is batting .176 with eight home runs and 16 RBIs. But Mackanin is playing the percentages with the righty on the hill for Cincinnati. Against righties this year, Howard is batting .182 with with seven homers and 14 RBIs. Howard has been in a awful slump over the last two weeks with just four hits in his last 38 at-bats. But all four of those hits have been homers.

Joseph figures to get his next turn Sunday, when the Reds are scheduled to send lefty Dan Straily to the bump.

The only other change for Saturday's lineup sees Cameron Rupp getting the start behind the plate and batting sixth. Carlos Ruiz got the start Friday and batted in the clean-up spot.

Tyler Goeddel stays in the starting nine after his big two-run triple Friday.

Both teams' full starting lineups can be found below.

Phillies
1. Odubel Herrera CF
2. Cesar Hernandez 2B
3. Maikel Franco 3B
4. Ryan Howard 1B
5. Freddy Galvis SS
6. Cameron Rupp C
7. Tyler Goeddel LF
8. Aaron Nola SP
9. Peter Bourjos RF

Reds
1. Zack Cosart SS
2. Jose Peraza CF
3. Joey Votto 1B
4. Brandon Phillips 2B
5. Jay Bruce RF
6. Eugenio Suarez 3B
7. Adam Duvall LF
8. Tucker Barnhart C
9. Tim Adelman SP

Copyright CSNPhily
Contact Us