Pettibone Set For MLB Debut For Phils Vs. Pirates
by Matt Leon
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - After splitting a four-game series with the St. Louis Cardinals, the Phillies welcome the Pittsburgh Pirates to Citizens Bank Park to open a four-game set on Monday night.
The Phillies will give the ball to right-hander Jonathan Pettibone in the series opener, the 22-year-old rookie will make his Major League debut as he takes the turn of the injured John Lannan.
In two starts at AAA this season, Pettibone was 0-1 with a 9.64 ERA. However, he had an outstanding 2012, going 13-8 with a 3.10 ERA while splitting the year between AA and AAA. In 159.2 innings last season, he allowed just nine home runs. Pettibone was a third-round draft pick of the Phillies in 2008.
The Pirates will give the ball to veteran right-hander A.J. Burnett, who has thrown the ball extremely well here in 2013 despite a 1-2 record. In 24 innings, he has allowed just 17 hits and 8 walks while striking out 35 batters. His ERA is 2.63.
Burnett is 6-9 in his career against the Phillies, with a 5.06 ERA.
KYW's Matt Leon spoke with Steve Degler, who broadcasts games on TV for AA Reading and AAA Lehigh Valley, to get some insight into what to expect out of Pettibone.
Listen To Podcast With Steve Degler:
Steve Degler
You can follow Matt on Twitter @mattleonkyw.
