The Philadelphia Phillies are giving the ball to right-hander Zack Wheeler in a massive game against the Milwaukee Brewers.
The Philadelphia Phillies are entering must-win territory as the team opens a three-game series with the Milwaukee Brewers.
Philadelphia is still holding onto a wild-card spot in the National League playoff race, but they have struggled of late. The Phillies have dropped to the final wild-card spot entering the last few games of the regular season.
While the team does have a four game lead over the Arizona Diamondbacks, there is still a chance for Philadelphia to fall out of playoff contention. And facing off against the best team in baseball could be a tough challenge for this group.
But the Phillies will be turning to right-hander Zack Wheeler in the opener of the series against the Brewers. Wheeler has been lights-out lately for Philadelphia, with the righty posting four consecutive starts of at least six innings while allowing one run or fewer.
Against the Brewers, Wheeler will be called upon once again, with the Phillies needing another quality start. Overall, Wheeler owns a 2.99 ERA over 26 starts this season for Philadelphia.
If Wheeler can put together a solid outing, it would at least give the Phillies a chance to take the opening game. And with the playoff starting next week, Philadelphia needs to start stacking wins.
Behind Wheeler, the Phillies have announced the lineup for the first game against Milwaukee. Slugger Kyle Schwarber will be leading off, taking on the designated hitter spot for the Phillies.
Hitting in the two hole will be shortstop Trea Turner, whom the team needs to get going at the plate. Star Bryce Harper will be hitting in third, playing in right field for Philadelphia.
Luis Arraez will hit fourth, playing at second base in this game. Alec Bohm will take over at first base, hitting fifth for the Phillies.
Bryson Stott will be hitting sixth today against the Brewers, playing at third base. Hitting seventh will be catcher J.T. Realmuto.
And finishing the lineup will be Brandon Marsh, who will be hitting eighth and playing in left field. Outfielder Justin Crawford will hit ninth, playing in center field today.
This game against the Brewers could help set the tone for the final week of the regular season. While the Phillies are in good shape for a playoff spot, this team wants more than to just get to the postseason.
But unless the Phillies start to round back into form, they could be in line for another quick exit. Playing the best team in baseball gives them a nice challenge, seeing how they stack up against potential playoff opponents.
