Tensions are high with the Philadelphia Phillies. After a second straight loss to the lowly Chicago Cubs, Nick Castellanos and reporter Jim Salisbury got into a heated altercation. The details of this interaction are best saved for an in-depth look, but it does signify how the season has gone for the Philadelphia Phillies, especially as of late.
Considering their record (49-45), many would have felt fine (not great, but fine) about the team’s season in a vacuum. Obviously, a team’s season is not as simple as their record, and especially with how they’ve performed recently, there are legitimate concerns to be had. Only so much can be done today, however, so for now, the focus is just winning the game ahead of them.
Probable Pitchers
Phillies: Bailey Falter (0-2, 4.82 ERA)
As the Phillies continue to be without Zach Eflin, the team once again has no choice but to roll out Bailey Falter once again to open the game. Winless on the season, Falter has not exactly been ideal for the Phillies, but the reality is that until either a trade or the return of Eflin, they don’t have much of an alternative.
Typically, Falter is good for two or three runs in up to four innings of work. From there, the Phillies have to rely on their bullpen, which is not overly encouraging after last night.
Cubs: Drew Smyly (2-5, 4.22 ERA)
Former Phillie Drew Smyly takes the mound for the Cubs today as the visiting team looks for its first sweep of the season. Smyly’s record is surely disappointing for Chicago, but his ERA is right about his career average. Smyly missed all of June with an oblique injury and is even now still looking to re-establish himself.
The Phillies’ offense has struggled mightily as of late, but against Drew Smyly, maybe they can finally turn things around.
Lineup Cards
Philadelphia
- Matt Vierling, CF
- Kyle Schwarber, LF
- Rhys Hoskins, 1B
- Darick Hall, DH
- Nick Castellanos, RF
- Bryson Stott, 2B
- Alec Bohm, 3B
- Didi Gregorius, SS
- Garrett Stubbs, C
Chicago
- Christopher Morel CF
- Nico Hoerner SS
- Patrick Wisdom 3B
- Seiya Suzuki RF
- Ian Happ DH
- Frank Schwindel 1B
- Yan Gomes C
- David Bote 2B
- Nelson Velazquez LF
Betting Preview
This will more than likely not be a fun game, in all honesty. Morale does not appear to be high, which helps make the Cubs, at +105 to win, look quite appetizing. Expect both teams to flop like a fish to the finish line in today’s game, but Chicago has the momentum. With a Phillies offense that is struggling in a major way, Smash. The. Under.
Using any of the offers below, make your first bet risk-free, and even if your wager falls through, you’re covered!
