With a host of tired players and taxed bullpens, the Phillies and Reds will face off in the finale of their four game series just about 12 hours after the previous game ended. The Phillies will be looking for a good, long start out of Cliff Lee, who will face Homer Bailey.
The Phillies beat the Reds 5-4 last night in a 19 inning epic where the two teams combined to use 40 different players and in which utility infielder Wilson Valdez pitched the 19th inning and recorded the win.
There’s a number of Phillies who you would have to assume are simply not available this afternoon. Carlos Ruiz caught 18 innings last night, which means Dane Sardinha will start behind the plate. Danys Baez threw five innings, so he won’t be available for the probably the next five days. David Herndon threw 2+ innings. The five other relievers the Phils used all pitched an inning or less could potentially be available today, but there’s no doubt that Charlie Manuel will be hoping Cliff Lee gives them the day off.
Chase Utley did not start last night and only appeared in the game as pinch hitter, so he should be good to go for this afternoon. Ross Gload is still ailing, so it’s likely that guys like Ryan Howard and Raul Ibanez will have to start as well.