Every series this time of the year is important, but even more so for the St. Louis Cardinals as they prepare to host the Philadelphia Phillies who currently possess the final Wild Card spot in the National League that the Cardinals are chasing.
Here are the pitching matchups according to MLB.com:
Monday, August 10: Andrew Painter (RHP 1-8, 6.48 PCL, 63 SO) vs Hunter Dobbins (RHP 2-2, 3.60 PCL, 36 SO)
Tuesday, August 11: Cristopher Sánchez (LHP 15-4, 2.65 ERA, 174 SO) vs Andre Pallante (RHP 12-6, 3.63 ERA, 90 SO)
Wednesday, August 12: Zack Wheeler (RHP 10-3, 2.69 ERA, 132 SO) vs Kyle Leahy (RHP 8-4, 3.45 ERA, 99 SO)
Andrew Painter is 1-8 for the season and winless in his past 3 starts. His most recent outing was on August 5 vs the Nationals where he tossed 4 innings allowing 3 hits and 1 earned run in a no-decision. Cristopher Sánchez has been dominant with a 15-4 record including 3 wins in his last 3 starts including August 6 vs the Nationals where he completed 5 innings allowing 6 hits and 2 earned runs with 6 strikeouts in the victory. Zack Wheeler is 10-3, but no victories in his past 3 starts. His last appearance against the Blue Jays was interesting as he was accused by the Blue Jays of using an illegal delivery.
Who are the Philadelphia Phillies players to watch?
Kyle Schwarber – Currently leads the Phillies with 35 home runs, 68 RBI’s and a .247 average
Bryce Harper – Bryce is tops in RBI’s with 71 along with 25 home runs and a .256 average
Trea Turner – Currently has 17 home runs, 47 RBI’s with a .249 average
Brandon Marsh – Marsh has 16 home runs, 52 RBI’s with a .274 average
Who’s on the Philadelphia Phillies injured list?
Tanner Banks (LHP): 60-day IL with a left forearm strain.
Brad Keller (RHP): 60-day IL recovering from right elbow UCL surgery.
Johan Rojas (OF): 60-day IL after undergoing season-ending right elbow UCL surgery.
Rafael Marchán (C): 10-day IL with left knee patellar tendinitis.
Aaron Nola (RHP): Day-to-day with a right knee contusion after being struck by a comebacker, though X-rays were negative and he hopes to avoid an IL stint.
Andrew Painter (RHP): Day-to-day due to left hamstring tightness, but expected to make his Monday start vs the Cardinals
Derek Hill (OF): Day-to-day with a shoulder issue
There’s no way to overemphasize how crucial this 3-game series vs the Phillies is for St. Louis if the Cardinals have any aspirations at post-season play this season. Going into Sunday play, the Cardinals trail the Phillies by 3.5 games for the final NL Wild Card spot with the Padres and Marlins also ahead of St. Louis. The Phillies are 5-5 in their last 10 games going into Sunday and the same can be said for the Cardinals. St. Louis needs to take advantage of Painter’s start Monday as he’s returning from hamstring issues. Winning Monday night’s game before the tougher pitching matchups on Tuesday and Wednesday is essential. Anything less than at least a series victory vs the Phillies will make any Wild Card hopes an even bigger uphill battle.
