Pete Mackanin is wasting no time trying Aaron Altherr in center field.
While Mackanin had indicated that he might start using Altherr in center and Odubel Herrera at one of the corner outfield spots (see story), we'll have to wait at least a couple more days to see that alignment, as Herrera is on the bench for the series finale against the Dodgers and the Phillies have an off day on Thursday.
Given Dodgers' lefty Scott Kazmir's stellar numbers against left-handed hitters (see game notes) and Herrera's .225 season average vs. lefties, the decision to sit Herrera makes a lot of sense.
With the Phillies playing a day game after a night game, bench players Tyler Goeddel and Jimmy Paredes are both in the lineup. Goeddel and Paredes, who are hitting .201 and .215 respectively, will each likely need to improve over the next several weeks to stay on the roster come September, when minor-league outfielders Nick Williams and Roman Quinn could get called up.
Carlos Ruiz also starts in place of Cameron Rupp for the first time this series. He had three hits in his last outing Sunday in San Diego.
Ruiz (1 for 3) and Freddy Galvis (1 for 4) are the only players in the lineup with any prior at-bats against Kazmir.
Here are the full lineup's for both teams:
Philadelphia Phillies
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Phillies
1. Cesar Hernandez, 2B
2. Aaron Altherr, CF
3. Maikel Franco, 3B
4. Tommy Joseph, 1B
5. Carlos Ruiz, C
6. Jimmy Paredes, RF
7. Tyler Goeddel, LF
8. Freddy Galvis, SS
9. Jeremy Hellickson, P
Dodgers
1. Chase Utley, 2B
2. Josh Reddick, RF
3. Corey Seager, SS
4. Adrian Gonzalez, 1B
5. Yasmani Grandal, C
6. Joc Pederson, CF
7. Howie Kendrick, LF
8. Rob Segedin, 3B
9. Scott Kazmir, P
