Washington Nationals Series Preview: Nats vs. Phillies (5/22-5/24)
By Matt Weyrich
May 13, 2015; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Phillies starting pitcher XXXX (35) pitches against the Pittsburgh Pirates during the first inning at Citizens Bank Park. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Tomorrow’s Matchup
Stephen Strasburg (3-4, 5.98) vs. Cole Hamels (4-3, 3.24) – 4:05 PM ET, broadcast on MASN
Cole Hamels may have walked the 4th-most batters in all of baseball, but he is still undoubtedly one of the top pitchers in the game, and may be just hitting his stride. Over his last three starts, Hamels sports a sparkling 1.69 ERA with a perfect 3-0 record. The Phillies’ ace has been the center of trade talks since the beginning of last season, and his days in a Philadelphia uniform may be numbered.
Meanwhile, Stephen Strasburg is in the midst of the worst slump of his young career. Denying any reports of injury, Strasburg has claimed he simply he needs to work through his slump and hopefully things will begin to turn around. He currently holds a team-high 5.98 ERA in 40.2 innings. He does own a FIP of 3.45, but for now the results have not been very pleasant.
Advantage: If the Nats can get to Hamels early however, this could be a close one. Even if Strasburg does not return to full form, do not be surprised if this turns into a battle of late inning bullpens, with Washington coming out on top.
Next: Sunday's Matchup