Chase Utley is red hot and the timing couldn't be better for the Phillies.
Utley, the talk of ongoing trade rumors, will lead off for the fourth straight night tonight and the sixth time in the seven games since coming off the DL. He's done a fine job setting the table and making himself look attractive to contenders, going 11 for 22 with four doubles and four runs batted in since his return.
Maikel Franco is still nursing a sore wrist and will sit another night. At this point, we may not see Franco until the Phillies return to Citizens Bank Park on Tuesday after an off day Monday. Cesar Hernandez will remain at the hot corner in place of Franco.
Jeff Francoeur will give Dom Brown a night off despite right-hander Jimmy Nelson being on the mound for Milwaukee. Brown has cooled off after a 10-game hot streak that saw him hit .308 with four homers and 14 runs batted in. He's gone hitless in his last 10 at-bats.
Carlos Ruiz returns to the starting lineup to catch starter Jerome Williams.
Here is tonight's lineup:
1. Chase Utley, 2B
2. Cesar Hernandez, 3B
3. Odubel Herrera, CF
4. Ryan Howard, 1B
5. Jeff Francoeur, RF
6. Cody Asche, LF
7. Freddy Galvis, SS
8. Carlos Ruiz, C
9. Jerome Williams, P
For more on tonight's game, check out 5 things you need to know.