Blue Jays At Philadelphia Phillies Series Preview: Pitching, Matchups And More
The Philadelphia Phillies secured a much-needed victory in the series finale against the Boston Red Sox.
After an off day, the goal now is to proceed with their positive momentum.
It won’t be easy against an ultra-talented team such as the Toronto Blue Jays, who have won three straight with a dominating three-game sweep against the Pittsburgh Pirates.
Toronto outscored the Pirates 22-3.
Tuesday, May 9 at 6:40 p.m. ET
Alek Manoah (1-2, 4.71 ERA) vs. Aaron Nola (2-2, 4.64 ERA)
The Phillies need a strong performance from Nola in the opener of this quick two-game series.
Nola has been inconsistent this season in the final year of his contract worth $16 million. Nola has shut down negotiations on a long-term extension and it’s time to prove that he’s worth $150 million or more.
Manoah has never faced the Phillies, but he’ll arrive with a strong arsenal of pitches.
Wednesday, May 10 at 4:05 p.m. ET
Kevin Gausman (2-2, 3.86 ERA) vs. Zack Wheeler (3-2, 4.26 ERA)
This is a strong pitching matchup in the second game.
Wheeler has started to locate his command from last season.
Gausman throws his array of pitches for strikes and does a great job of keeping hitters off balance.
Prediction:
Both teams boast plenty of offensive talent.
For the Phillies, Kyle Schwarber snapped out of an 0-for-21 slump with a home run and three RBI in Sunday’s win over the Red Sox.
The Blue Jays have proven that they can score runs in bunches. Vladimir Guerrero Jr. wasn’t even in the lineup the last two games.
Look for a series split here.
More From SI's Inside The Phillies:
- Phillies Star Bryce Harper Doesn't Hold Back on Thoughts About Joe Girardi
- How Mike Trout Will Join the Phillies
- Could Bryce Harper's Favorite MLB Player Join the Philadelphia Phillies in 2023?
- Could The Phillies Soon Be Playing in Wawa Park?
- Bryce Harper-Obsessed Japanese Baseball Star Wants to Play for Phillies
- Six Philadelphia Phillies Declare Free Agency
- Rumored Phillies Free Agent Target Just Opted Out of Contract
- Jimmy Rollins Describes Disrespectful Treatment by Ryne Sandberg
- Phillies Release 2023 Regular Season Schedule
- Picking the Phillies' All-Time Single Season Lineup
