After splitting a day-night doubleheader with the Atlanta Braves, the Philadelphia Phillies will return to action at Citizens Bank Park for a weekend series against the Milwaukee Brewers. Despite dropping the second half of their doubleheader, the Phillies claimed victory in the series by a margin of 2-1. The Phillies have now won four straight series and have only lost one series in May.
The hot streak has put the Phillies (36-20) in first place in the National League East with a 2.0-game lead over the New York Mets. Meanwhile, the Brewers (29-28) are sitting in the middle of the pack in the National League Central.
Phillies-Brewers Pitching Matchups
Having just utilized Cristopher Sánchez and Zack Wheeler for their doubleheader against the Braves on Thursday, the Phillies will turn to the rest of their rotation to get the job done against the Brewers this weekend. First up will be Taijuan Walker going against southpaw DL Hall.Making his 10th start of the season, Walker will look to get back on track after allowing three runs in two consecutive outings against the Rockies and the Cardinals.
Despite any recent struggles, Walker has been phenomenal as a fill-in starter this season, pitching to a 2.97 ERA. Walker will go against Hall, who is a late fill-in for Quinn Priester who is out with a blister. Hall will make his first start of the season for the Brewers and only his second appearance, allowing one run over 2.1 innings against the Red Sox on Monday.
Jesús Luzardo, who has continued to prove his value since the Phillies traded for him this offseason, will get the start Saturday afternoon. Having struck out 10 batters in each of his last two contests, Luzardo has elevated his game to a new level. Luzardo will look to continue his success while going against Brewers’ rookie right-hander Chad Patrick. Patrick has only reached six innings pitched three times this season, but has pitched for a solid 2.97 ERA in his freshman campaign.
Ranger Suárez will then look to close out the series Sunday afternoon. Suárez also owns a 2.97 ERA this season and will make his sixth start since rejoining the team from the Injured List. Jose Quintana will go against Suárez in his seventh start of the season. The 14-year veteran currently owns a 2.65 ERA on the season. He owns a 3.92 ERA in seven lifetime starts at Citizens Bank Park.
A Tale of Two First Basemen
Bryce Harper missed both halves of Thursday’s doubleheader as he recovers from taking a 95.3 mph fastball from Spencer Strider to his elbow on Tuesday evening. All reports indicate that he was progressing in his recovery on Thursday, but no indication has been made of his status for Friday’s opener against the Brewers. The Phillies’ first baseman was on track to finish the month strong, batting .308 with an .864 OPS on the month.
Opposing Harper will be the return of the player he replaced at first base for the Phillies: Rhys Hoskins. Hoskins comes into town once again with the Brewers after the Phillies let Hoskins walk following the 2023 season. Hoskins is currently batting .282 on the season and has hit seven home runs.
Harper has recently gone on the record stating that, though he is content at first base, he would agree with moving back to the outfield if it meant the Phillies acquired a top first baseman to improve their odds at winning the World Series. Hoskins is in year three of a four-year contract with the Brewers, contingent on a mutual option for 2026. Should the Brewers think they are not going to cash in on that option, they may opt to move Hoskins at the Trade Deadline. If so, there is a small possibility that a reunion could be in the cards for Hoskins and the Phillies.
When and Where to Watch
The Phillies will kick off their series against the Brewers with a Friday night City Connect game beginning at 6:45 p.m. Saturday’s affair is Coca-Cola Photo Day, an afternoon game starting at 4:05 p.m. The series will then conclude on Sunday with a 1:35 p.m. getaway day game. All three contests will be viewable on NBC Sports Philadelphia.
Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images
