Phillies at Dodgers
Despite a setback to a non-division opponent in their last contest, the Philadelphia Phillies mostly have thrived whenever they have been able to play a team outside of the National League East. The Phillies attempt to improve on the majors' best winning percentage versus teams outside of their division Monday, when they begin a four-game series against the host Los Angeles Dodgers.
Even after dropping two of three to Toronto over the weekend, Philadelphia is 19-6 outside of its division and just 10-15 versus the NL East. That glowing record against non-divisional opponents has taken a hit of late, however, as four of those losses have come over the last eight contests. Following a 16-26 start that matched their worst since moving from Brooklyn in 1958, the Dodgers have won eight of 10 to move within 3 1/2 games of the lead in the NL West. "I think we're starting to get our mojo back. Everyone is getting healthy. ... We're feeling good and feeling confident again," Los Angeles first baseman Cody Bellinger told reporters after he and Max Muncy belted two-run homers in Sunday's 6-1 victory over San Diego.
TV: 8:10 p.m. ET, NBCS Philadelphia, SportsNet LA (Los Angeles)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Phillies RH Vince Velasquez (4-5, 4.18 ERA) vs. Dodgers RH Brock Stewart (0-0, 3.72)
Velasquez registered nine strikeouts on Tuesday but saw his three-start winning streak come to an end Tuesday against Atlanta after giving up two runs - one earned - on six hits and three walks while throwing 89 pitches over 4 1/3 innings. The 25-year-old has failed to make it through five frames in three of his last six turns, although he is averaging 14.05 strikeouts per nine innings over his last three outings. Yasmani Grandal is 4-for-6 with two homers versus Velasquez, who is 0-2 with an 11.45 ERA in three career games (two starts) against the Dodgers.
Stewart did enough in the eyes of manager Dave Roberts to earn another start after not factoring in the decision Tuesday against Colorado, permitting two runs on five hits and a walk in four innings. The Illinois State product worked in relief in each of his previous three appearances, giving up two runs and five hits across 5 2/3 frames. Aaron Altherr homered in his only at-bat against Stewart, who allowed that run in one inning of relief in his only career appearance versus Philadelphia last season.
WALK-OFFS
1. Dodgers OF Matt Kemp is hitting .441 with five doubles, a homer and eight RBIs over his last 10 games.
2. Phillies 1B Carlos Santana is batting .288 with four doubles, seven home runs and 21 RBIs in his last 20 games. Over his first 30 contests, he was hitting .151 with two blasts and 11 RBIs.
3. Los Angeles on Sunday announced LHP Clayton Kershaw will come off the disabled list and start Thursday's series finale.