Philadelphia @ Milwaukee preview
American Family Field
Last Meeting ( May 15, 2010 ) Philadelphia 10, Milwaukee 6
The Philadelphia Phillies need Jose Contreras to save them for a while.
With closer Brad Lidge going on to the 15-day disabled list Saturday with inflammation in his right elbow joint, the Phillies gave his job to Contreras.
The 38-year-old right-hander earned his first career save Saturday and could be called upon again today as the Phillies try to finish the sweep of their three-game series in Milwaukee.
Lidge can be reactivated on May 25, but until then the Phillies need Contreras to handle the closer’s job. It’s an adjustment because Contreras, who has started for most of his career. Only 31 of his 206 appearances in the major leagues have been as a relief pitcher.
He’s pitched well in relief this season. Contreras has a 2-1 record with an 0.68 ERA, allowing just one run in 13 1/3 innings. He struck out 18 and walked just two.
One of those walks came when Contreras entered in the ninth inning of Saturday’s game. That free pass to George Kottaras loaded the bases with one out and the Phillies holding a 10-6 lead.
But Contreras struck out Rickie Weeks and Craig Counsell to lock up his first career save. His ability to close could be huge with Lidge already missing nearly the entire first month of the season.
Ryan Madson, who was closing in Lidge’s absence, is on the DL after undergoing surgery for a broken toe suffered when he kicked a chair after a poor performance.
The bullpen is also a big issue for Milwaukee – but in a much different way.
The Brewers’ bullpen continued to implode this week, allowing six runs in Saturday’s loss. Claudio Vargas gave up five runs on six hits in just one-third of an inning, making his ERA jump to 8.04.
During this five-game homestand, Milwaukee’s bullpen has allowed 26 runs. This is a big reason the Brewers have dropped all five games and slipped to 4-13 at home.
The team’s starters haven’t been going as deep into games, forcing manager Ken Macha to go to his bullpen earlier and more often.
Despite hitting six home runs in first two games of the series, the Brewers have lost both contests. The bullpen's problems are a big reason.
The Brewers could use a longer start from Doug Davis (1-4) in today’s game, but he’s also struggled often this season. He’s got a 7.56 ERA and has pitched into the seventh inning just once.
Phillies starter Cole Hamels (3-2) also been inconsistent this season, winning just once in his last five starts.
But the team’s biggest pitching question in the coming days will be how Contreras fares as the closer.