The Philadelphia Phillies are looking to get back on the winning track April 13 when they face the Chicago Cubs at Citizens Bank Park. Staff ace Cristopher Sánchez (1-1, 1.65 ERA) will take the mound after the Phillies’ heartbreaking 4-3 loss to the Arizona Diamondbacks on April 12.
Why it matters: The Phillies are trying to regain their footing in a season that's seen them struggle with consistency. After losing five of their last seven games, they need a strong performance against the Cubs to build momentum.
The Phillies currently sit at 7-8, and a win against the Cubs would help them avoid falling below .500.
With Zack Wheeler sidelined, Sánchez's role as the staff ace carries added pressure for the team.
The team’s offensive struggles have been highlighted by Bryce Harper’s recent comments about ‘bad baseball’ following their last loss.
Driving the news: Sánchez will be pitching in the opener of a three-game series against the Cubs, who are also struggling early in the season with a similar record of 7-8.
Sánchez has been effective this season, allowing only three runs over 16⅓ innings, boasting a strikeout-to-walk ratio of 23-to-4.
In his last outing, Sánchez gave up four runs (two earned) on 11 hits, contributing to a 6-0 loss against the Giants.
The Cubs lineup has struggled against left-handed pitchers, posting a .204 batting average in 162 plate appearances this season.
State of play: The Phillies placed reliever Jonathan Bowlan on the 15-day injured list with a right groin strain before the game.
Bowlan pitched two-thirds of an inning against the Diamondbacks, giving up a hit and a walk, but did not allow any runs.
He had a 3.86 ERA across seven appearances this season, with eight strikeouts and just one walk in seven innings.
To fill Bowlan's spot in the bullpen, the Phillies recalled reliever Seth Johnson from Triple-A Lehigh Valley.
The big picture: Both the Phillies and Cubs are searching for their identities early in the season, making this series more than just another matchup.
Philadelphia’s offense has shown flashes of potential but has struggled to maintain consistency, ranking 28th in runs scored.
Harper is currently hitting .467 over the past week, providing a spark in the lineup, but other key players like Trea Turner and Alec Bohm have struggled.
The Cubs, similarly, are hovering around .500 and are also looking to find their rhythm after a rocky start.
What they're saying: Bryce Harper's assessment of the team's recent performance reflects the frustration felt within the clubhouse.
“Bad baseball,” Harper said, highlighting the missed opportunities and execution issues that have plagued the Phillies.
Manager Rob Thomson noted that Bowlan's placement on the injured list is precautionary, expecting him to return after 15 days.
Thomson emphasized the importance of cleaning up the mistakes to help the team find success moving forward.
By the numbers: Several statistics highlight the current struggles and strengths of the teams involved.
Sánchez leads National League qualifiers with a 1.06 FIP, indicating he’s been effective beyond just his ERA.
The Phillies rank 28th in the league in runs scored, showing a need for improved offensive production.
Harper's recent performance has pushed his OPS to an impressive 1.400 over the last week, making him a key player to watch.
What's next: The Phillies face a challenging schedule ahead, needing to capitalize on this series against the Cubs.
Monday's matchup features Sánchez against Cubs’ right-hander Javier Assad, who holds a perfect 0.00 ERA this season.
Following this series, the Phillies will continue to face tough competition, making it imperative that they find their form quickly.
Tonight’s game is set for 6:40 p.m. ET, with broadcast coverage available on NBC Sports Philadelphia and FS1.