Preview: Phillies make a roster move ahead of tonight’s game; Matt Strahm will start as an opener

The Philadelphia Phillies look to get back in the win column tonight vs. the Arizona Diamondbacks at 6:40 EST.
Starting Pitchers
- Matt Strahm (4-3, 2.73 ERA)
- Ryne Nelson (1-2, 5.48 ERA)
The Phillies lost all momentum gained over the weekend in last night’s series opener, as Zack Wheeler continued to struggle, and the Phils’ offense came up short once again.
Although Wheeler got through six innings, he didn’t have anywhere close to his best stuff, allowing eight hits and four earned runs while striking out just three. Wheeler allowed two homers, with one of them coming in the top of the first inning, where the DBacks took an early 3-0 lead.
Bryson Stott and Kyle Schwarber both went yard in the bottom of the 4th inning in an attempt to bring the score back, but the Phillies’ pitching staff couldn’t hold it down. Jeff Hoffman allowed two hits and one earned run in the 8th inning, and Andrew Bellatti suffered another earned run in the 9th, giving the DBacks the 6-3 win.
May hasn’t been a great month for the Phillies. They’re currently 24th in HRs (17), 21st in OPS (.694), and 29th in starters ERA (5.88) while holding an 8-10 record.
Trea Turner has been abysmal for the Phillies over the last few weeks and admitted it last night in an interview, saying “he sucks” and needs to figure it out.
We appreciate the honesty, Trea.
Matt Strahm will be used as an opener for tonight’s game, where Dylan Covey will follow him in his first live-action with the Phillies. Covey was acquired off waivers from the Los Angeles Dodgers over the weekend.
Covey Added to 26-Man Roster, Andrew Bellatti Optioned
Covey was officially added to the 26-man roster this afternoon. As a corresponding move, Andrew Bellatti was optioned to Triple-A Lehigh Valley.
Phillies Starting Lineup
Brandon Marsh is back in the lineup after a 2-day reset. Bryson Stott returns to the leadoff spot, and Kody Clemens hits 8th at 1st base. Edmundo Sosa gets the start at third, and Bohm gets the night off.
Matt Strahm vs. Ryne Nelson
Matt Strahm will be used as an opener in tonight’s game, making his first start since May 2nd in LA. Strahm returned to the bullpen when Ranger Suarez came back from injury and hasn’t allowed an earned run since, going six and a third with just four hits allowed while striking out 10.
Strahm holds a 4-3 record on the year with a 2.73 ERA and 47 Ks.
Dylan Covey will follow Strahm and make his Phillies debut tonight after being claimed off waivers from the Los Angeles Dodgers over the weekend. Covey is 0-0 with a 4.50 ERA and 3 Ks this season and has made just one start.
Ryne Nelson is 1-2 on the year with a 5.48 ERA and a 1.48 WHIP in 46 total innings for Arizona. Nelson holds a 4.43 ERA on the road but is coming off a good start in Oakland, allowing just one hit while striking out six in five and a third.
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Diamondbacks @ Philadelphia Phillies – 6:40 EST
TEAM | SPREAD | MONEY | TOTAL |
Arizona Diamondbacks | +1.5 (-154) | +130 | O9.5 (-108) |
Philadelphia Phillies | -1.5 (+128) | -154 | U9.5 (-112) |
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