The Phillies hope to continue their successful homestand as the Reds come to town for a four-game set. Kyle Kendrick faces Bronson Arroyo tonight in the opener; at least initially, he won't have to worry about Ken Griffey Jr., who is not in the starting lineup owing to "general soreness." Griffey, of course, is one home run away from becoming just the sixth player ever to reach 600 for his career.
But the Reds have enough other dangerous bats, including veteran slugger Adam Dunn, second baseman Brandon Phillips, rookie first baseman Joey Votto and phenom Jay Bruce, who has begun his big-league career with 13 hits in his first 22 at-bats (.591), including three doubles and two home runs. He's also drawn six walks and struck out just once.
The Phils can hit a little as well. Chase Utley won NL Player of the Week honors and brings a streak of four straight games with a home run into tonight's contest. Shane Victorino has hit in 13 straight games, one off his career high, and is batting .435 with a stunning 12 runs scored over his last six games.
The Phillies lineup tonight is:
1. Jimmy Rollins SS
2. Shane Victorino CF
3. Chase Utley 2B
4. Ryan Howard 1B
5. Pat Burrell LF
6. Geoff Jenkins RF
7. Pedro Feliz 3B
8. Chris Coste C
9. Kyle Kendrick RHP