Preview: Phillies look for third straight win at 4:05, Jose Alvarado heads to the IL

The Phillies go for their third straight win and a two-game sweep of the Toronto Blue Jays today at 4:05 EST.

Starting Pitchers

Kevin Gausman (2-3, 3.86 ERA)
Zack Wheeler (3-2, 4.26 ERA)

While everyone in Philadelphia was locked into a crucial Game 5 Sixers win on Tuesday night, the Phillies capitalized on another bad Alek Manoah start, logging three earned runs on the righty and holding him to under five innings once again.

Nick Castellanos was the player of the game on Tuesday night, crushing a homer to left field to give the Phillies a 2-1 lead. Castellanos finished with two runs scored, three hits, and two RBIs, bringing his average up to .317 on the year, which is tied with Brandon Marsh for the team lead.

Aaron Nola got back on the right foot last night, throwing six innings of two-run ball allowing just five hits while striking out six. Seranthony Dominguez got roughed up in the 7th, going just a third of an inning, but the trio of Gregory Soto, Connor Brogdon, and Craig Kimbrel held the fort down for the team.

Those three guys are going to need to continue to step up, as it was announced this morning that LHP Jose Alvarado is heading to the 15-day Injured List (retro to 5/8) with left elbow inflammation. Alvarado has been arguably the best reliever in baseball, holding a 1.88 ERA and 24 strikeouts in 14.1 innings in 2023.

As a corresponding move, RHP Andrew Bellatti has been recalled from his rehab assignment and will rejoin the Phillies today.

Prior to today’s game, the Phillies placed LHP José Alvarado on the 15-day IL (retroactive to 5/8) with left elbow inflammation. RHP Andrew Bellatti was recalled from his rehab assignment with Clearwater (A) and reinstated from the 15-day IL (right triceps tendinitis).
— Philadelphia Phillies (@Phillies) May 10, 2023

Phillies Starting Lineup

Do it again? Do it again. #RingTheBell

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— Philadelphia Phillies (@Phillies) May 10, 2023

Kevin Gausman vs. Zack Wheeler

Zack Wheeler takes the mound for the Fightins looking to bounce back after a rough start vs. the Boston Red Sox. Wheeler threw five and a third, allowing seven hits, and four earned runs while striking out just five.

Wheeler has thrown better at home this year, as he holds a 3.97 ERA with a 1-1 record. He’s totaled a 4.26 ERA on the year with 46 strikeouts and a 1.24 WHIP.

Kevin Gausman has struggled on the road this season, tallying a 2-3 record with a 5.00 ERA and 34 Ks. Gausman got messed up by Boston on May 4th, allowing ten hits and eight earned runs on just three and a third. He’s 2-3 on the year with a 3.86 ERA.