San Francisco @ Philadelphia preview
Citizens Bank Park
Last Meeting ( Apr 28, 2010 ) Philadelphia 7, San Francisco 6
Winners of 18 of their last 23 games, the Philadelphia Phillies have pulled into a virtual tie with the San Francisco Giants in the wild card standings.
In an incredible display of depth, the two-time defending National League champion Phillies have posted the streak without the services of a myriad of stars - including Chase Utley, who was sidelined with a broken right thumb.
On Tuesday, Philadelphia (66-51) is expected to activate the five-time All-Star second baseman from the disabled list prior to its game against San Francisco (67-52). The contest also serves as the opener to a 10-game homestand for the Phillies, who have won 15 of their last 17 at Citizens Bank Park.
Sidelined since July 1, Utley has played in a couple games with Class A Clearwater, but is reportedly itching to get back to action with Philadelphia.
Injured slugger Ryan Howard will have to wait a bit longer to scratch that itch for the Phillies, who trail the NL East-leading Atlanta Braves by 2.5 games. The team-leader with 23 home runs and 81 RBIs, Howard has been slowed by a nasty left ankle injury suffered while sliding back into second base.
Roy Oswalt (7-13, 3.34 ERA) will take the hill for the Phillies on Tuesday. Acquired in a deal with the Houston Astros, the veteran right-hander secured his first win with his new club in impressive fashion.
Oswalt permitted just five hits in seven scoreless innings with five strikeouts in a 2-0 victory over the Los Angeles Dodgers on Wednesday.
He hasn't been as fortunate against the Giants this season, posting an 0-3 mark with the low-scoring Astros.
San Francisco will counter with Barry Zito (8-6, 3.44), who has struggled mightily after a hot start. The left-hander has notched just one win his last 11 outings overall - although his run support leaves a great deal to be desired. The light-hitting Giants have given Zito just 2.3 runs per outing.
In his last outing, Zito permitted four runs and 10 hits in 6 1/3 innings. He received a no-decision in his team's 5-4 victory over the Chicago Cubs.
He'll have to do better if the Giants continue to struggle at the plate. San Francisco hit just .200 in a key weekend series against the San Diego Padres. As a result, the Giants dropped two of three against the NL West leaders.
Off the field, San Francisco signed 24th overall pick Gary Brown to a contract. The outfielder from Cal State Fullerton secured a $1.45 million bonus in the process.