Charlie Manuel has been juggling the lineup in recent weeks.
Move Jimmy Rollins to the two spot. Put Shane Victorino lead off or in the six hole. Move Ryan Howard to the fifth spot. Place Pat Burrell clean-up.
Nothing seemed to work.
So, like solving the Rubik's Cube, Manuel aligned the colors perfectly Friday night against the Dodgers. With this currently constructed one-through-nine, the Phillies have scored 17 runs in two wins over L.A.
1. Jimmy Rollins
2. Chase Utley
3. Pat Burrell
4. Ryan Howard
5. Shane Victorino
6. Jayson Werth
7. Pedro Feliz/Greg Dobbs
8. Christ Coste/Carlos Ruiz
9. Pitcher
Utley scored three runs Saturday and had two hits. Burrell knocked in five runs. Victorino and Werth continued having consistent ABs. I like the lineup as it is. I always felt Utley was better suited in the No. 2 spot, despite his power and ability to drive in runs. Burrell splits up the left-handed hitters (Utley and Howard) and ... finally... we're starting to see some results. That said, I won't old my breath if things start to sour...
The Phillies placed Geoff Jenkins on the 15-day disabled list with a hip flexor.
Jenkins suffered the injury while legging out an infield single Friday night. Jenkins hasn't been hitting much this season, but had shown signs of working his way out of the year-long funk. Werth would have gotten the majority of playing time, anyways, but losing a veteran/proven guy in Jenkins is semi-important (Um, I think...). To replace Jenkins, the team called up minor league lifer and Andy Tracy, an infielder.
As previously mentioned, Burrell had a big day Saturday afternoon.
In addition to driving in five runs, Burrell homered for the 30th time (surprisingly, it was only his 10th dinger at Citizens Bank Park). Burrell continues to have a career year... meaning he's been consistent by his standards and is hitting for power. I like him batting in the third spot, or anywhere he can get in the middle of Utley and Howard. He only has 75 RBIs this season because Utley and Howard have been knocking most of them in. If he continues hitting in the third spot, he'll present interesting match-up advantages and will have more opportunities to boost his RBI total.
Cole Hamels pitched another fantastic game Saturday to pick up his 11th win.
Hamels has been a tough-luck loser most of the year and should have at least 16 wins. The left-hander also surpassed a career-best in innings pitched.
With the Mets series on the horizon, it's worth noting that Hamels will -- once again -- not face the New Yorkers.
It would be the fourth time this season Hamels has not started against the Metskis. The Phillies aren't going to shuffle the rotation... and I agree with that decision. After all, there's another huge four-game series against the Cubs waiting in the wings. Every game at this point is a must-win. It's just a shame fans won't get to see another Hamels-Johan Santana showdown.
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