Major League Baseball will honor Jackie Robinson and has his lasting impact on the game as all players around the league will wear uniforms with his #42 tonight. So don't be surprised when Roy Oswalt strolls to the mound, not in his normal #44.
Oswalt will be looking to measure up to his fellow aces Roy Halladay and Cliff Lee, who pitched back to back complete games, something that Phillies pitchers haven't done since 1999. Lil Roy remains undefeated in the regular season at Citizens Bank Park and could win his 10th straight decision tonight. Oswalt has been solid in his career against the Marlins posting a 6-4 record with a 3.77 ERA.
Oswalt has been solid in his career when facing the Marlins, going 6-4 with a 3.77 ERA.
The second place Florida Marlins will counter with veteran Javier Vasquez, who has struggled so far this season. He's given up 11 runs over his first two starts of the season. He's also struggled at Citizens Bank Park in his career going 1-2 with a 6.08 ERA in four starts.
As was pointed out on the Good Phight yesterday, the Phillies regulars have been almost absurdly good against Vasquez.
Victorino: 4 for 15, 1 2B, 1 3B, 0 BB, 3 K
Polanco: 20 for 57, 5 2B, 1 HR, 3 BB, 3 K
Rollins: 11 for 60, 1 2B, 2 HR, 2 BB, 14 K
Howard: 5 for 15, 1 2B, 3 HR, 3 BB, 2 K
Francisco: 4 for 13, 1 2B, 1 BB, 5 K
Ibanez: 8 for 25, 4 HR, 2 BB, 6 K
Ruiz: 1 for 7, 1 BB, 1 K
Valdez: 0 for 0, 0 BB, 0 K
In addition, Ross Gload is 16 for 35 and Brian Schneider is 4-8. Also here's a fun bit of trivia... Phillies GM Ruben Amaro has actually faced Vasquez in an at bat in a major league game back in 1998.