Phillies beat-writers' crush Erik Kratz has been called up to the big squad to provide a right-handed bat off the bench while Jim Thome spends some time on the DL trying to rest his sore back. Our Minor League-loving friends over at Beerleaguer think it's a bench move that can give Charlie Manuel just enough flexibility.
Beerleaguer on Kratz: "He's not going to see a heck of a lot of playing time, but he's the best
guy for the job. Kratz, 31, was hitting .294/.333.549 over 53 plate
appearances with three home runs. With Ty Wigginton playing basically
every day now, and with John Mayberry trying to climb his way back, the
added right-hander isn't the worst thing in the world, and you could
argue that adding a third catcher gives Charlie Manuel just as much
flexibility off the bench as they were enjoying with a healthy Thome."
The Phillies will look to continue their recent winning ways and attempt to get above the .500 mark on the season this evening with Roy Haladay (3-2, 1.95) taking on right-hander Tommy Hanson (3-2, 3.00).
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The Phils haven't won three games in a row yet this season. No time better than the present, especially when you've got Roy throwing for you.
Doc took an L his last time out when he faced the Cubs when he gave up 3 earned on 6 hits over 7 innings of work. He does have real solid career numbers against Atlanta, however, going 4-1 against them over his career with a 1.78 ERA.
Also on the positive side, Cliff Lee reportedly had a pain-free bullpen session and could be back in the fold some time next week.
7:10 start time from Turner Field.