It’s a possible World Series preview on Friday night in a series opener as the NL East-leading Philadelphia Phillies – who are in a bit of a slump — visit the AL West-leading Seattle Mariners.
The M’s are short favorites on the MLB odds behind good young pitcher Bryan Woo.
MLB Lines: Mariners -118, Phillies +100 (total 7.5) Score Prediction: Phillies 4, Mariners 3 |
Philadelphia Phillies Moneyline -108
The Phillies looked like the best team in baseball for most of the season but have really struggled out of the break and enter on a four-game skid – they were swept at home in a three-game set to open this week in another potential World Series preview vs. the New York Yankees.
It was the first time the Phillies have been swept in a series at home since July 22-24, 2022, against the Cubs.
The Record
Philadelphia were on pace to win 113 games on June 8. They had a 10-game lead in the NL East on July 5.
Now, Cleveland owns the best record in baseball, while the Dodgers are just two games behind them for the best record in the NL and the Braves are just 6 1/2 games behind them in the NL East.
Two-time NL MVP Bryce Harper went 0 for 5 with two strikeouts in Wednesday’s 6-5 loss, hit into a game-ending double play and is in a 1-for-30 slump.
A few regulars sat for Wednesday’s finale in All-Star Trea Turner, Bryson Stott, J.T. Realmuto and Brandon Marsh.
Turner had started every contest since the All-Star break while slashing .167/.231/.292 with two home runs and one stolen base.
Nick Castellanos
Castellanos was a highlight in the loss, going 2-for-4 with three RBIs against the Yankees.
He helped trim Philadelphia’s deficit with a run-scoring single and added more RBIs later in the game.
This was his fifth three-RBI game of the season, and he has 14 RBIs in his last 14 games.
Alec Bohm
Bohm recorded his second triple of the season in the loss, extending his on-base streak to a career-high 19 straight games.
His 51 extra-base hits rank tied for second in the National League and are tied with, 2023 for his single-season career high.
Leadoff hitter Kyle Schwarber has walked multiple times in at least three straight games for the fourth time in his career.
The three other occurrences each came last season.
Tyler Phillips on the Hill
Phillies rookie pitcher Phillips secured his third win by pitching a shutout against the Guardians, giving up only four hits and a walk while striking out four in nine innings.
It was the first Phillies rookie shutout since 2016. Phillips completed the eighth inning at 89 pitches and was confident about pitching in the ninth.
Phillips tossed 105 pitches (71 strikes) and his scoreless streak stands at 15 innings after he blanked the Bucs in his previous outing.
The 26-year-old will take a 1.80 ERA, 0.76 WHIP and 19:2 K:BB through 25 innings into Friday. This will be his first career look at Seattle.
^MyBookie MLB Wager Lines to Win Today
Seattle Mariners Moneyline -123
Seattle remains without its best player in outfielder and former AL Rookie of the Year Julio Rodriguez, as well as starting shortstop JP Crawford, with both on the IL.
Rodriguez was eligible to be activated on Thursday but is not expected back this weekend from a high-ankle sprain.
Victor Robles
Robles filled in for Rodriguez in center field but missed a game due to a hip issue. Polanco left Wednesday’s game early with knee problems, going 0-for-3 before being replaced.
His knee also caused him to exit a previous game early, possibly leading to him sitting out for a few games as a precaution.
Both players are considered day-to-day with their respective injuries.
Gregory Santos
Reliever Santos, who came in to pitch the bottom of the eighth inning Wednesday, got two quick outs, but called the trainer and manager Scott Servais out before starting against his third batter and left after just nine pitches.
After the game, Servais said Manager Santos was dealing with a right biceps injury and would undergo an MRI when the team got back to Seattle.
Seattle’s loss to the Red Sox highlighted their struggle to hit with runners on base, going 1-for-14 with runners in scoring position and leaving 13 baserunners stranded.
DH Mitch Garver was responsible for eight outs with runners on base and failed to deliver in key situations, including grounding out with the bases loaded.
His performance has been disappointing as a big off season acquisition.
Bryan Woo on the Hill
Young right-handed pitcher Woo (4-1) will start for the Mariners despite experiencing discomfort in his right hamstring during his last outing.
Woo allowed one unearned run in four innings before being removed due to pain in the same hamstring he had injured in June.
Despite not getting a decision, Woo’s performance showcased his consistent season with a 2.35 ERA and 0.89 WHIP since returning from the injured list.
This will be Woo’s first career start vs. Philadelphia.
^Bet Phillies at Mariners MLB Odds
When: Friday, 9:40 PM ET
Where: T-Mobile Park
Pitchers (away/home): Tyler Phillips/Bryan Woo
TV: MLB Extra Innings, MLB Network
Stream/game day audio: https://www.mlb.com/live-stream-games/
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