Watch CBS News

Phillies Hope To Figure Out Fernandez In Miami

By Matt Leon

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) – The Phillies offense has been inconsistent at best so far during the 2013 season.

But when they face Jose Fernandez, it has been downright nonexistent.

The rookie right-hander will start for the Marlins tonight against the Phillies in the middle game of this three-game series in Miami.  In his first two starts against Philadelphia this season, Fernandez has pitched 13 innings, not allowing a run.  In fact, the Phillies have touched him for just three hits (all singles) in 42 at bats.  That's an .071 batting average.

Phillies haven't done much scoring at all as of late.  They have just four runs in their last 27 innings of work.  That includes their 5-1 loss last night.  Three of the four runs during this time have come courtesy of solo home runs.

The Phillies will give the ball to Tyler Cloyd tonight.  He is returning from AAA, taking the roster spot of catcher Carlos Ruiz who has been placed on the disabled list with that bad hamstring.  Cloyd has struggled with Lehigh Valley, going 1-4 in seven starts with a 6.57 ERA.  But in his one start with the Phillies this season, he was quite good.  Cloyd allowed two runs on two hits in six-and-a-third innings on May 10th in Arizona.  He got a no-decision in a game the Phillies lost 3-2.

The Phillies bring a 21-24 record into tonight, they are 5 1/2 games behind the first-place Braves in National League East.  The Marlins are 13-32.  Four of their wins have come against the Phillies.

KYW's Matt Leon caught up with Bill Baer of the website Crashburn Alley, to talk about tonight's match-up.

You can follow Matt on Twitter @mattleonkyw.

Bill Baer Interview

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.