Phillies at Giants
The San Francisco Giants could have a few fresh faces in the clubhouse Friday, when they open a three-game series against the visiting Philadelphia Phillies. Second baseman Joe Panik, reliever Mark Melancon and outfielder Hunter Pence are expected to be activated from the disabled list prior to the contest against the Phillies, who began their 10-game road trip by splitting a four-game set versus the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Melancon has been sidelined all season with a right elbow flexor strain while Panik (left thumb sprain) and Pence (right thumb sprain) each have missed a month of action for the Giants, who have lost nine of their last 13 games. Hunter Strickland has converted 11 of his 13 save opportunities and is expected to continue to serve as the team’s closer while Melancon starts out in low-leverage situations. The Phillies closed their first winning month (15-11) since 2012 on Thursday as Aaron Nola tossed seven strong innings in a 2-1 victory over the Dodgers. Slugging left fielder Rhys Hoskins fractured his jaw in Monday’s game but will not need surgery and could return in several weeks.
TV: 10:15 p.m. ET, NBCS Philadelphia, KTVU (San Francisco)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Phillies RH Nick Pivetta (4-3, 3.26 ERA) vs. Giants RH Chris Stratton (6-3, 4.97)
Pivetta allowed two runs and four hits in five innings against Toronto on Sunday but saw his three-game winning streak come to an end in the 5-3 loss. The 25-year-old Canadian has gone 3-1 with a 1.13 ERA in his last four starts, recording 32 strikeouts and four walks in 24 frames. Pivetta is making his second career start against San Francisco after striking out seven over five scoreless innings in an 11-3 win at Citizens Bank Park on May 9.
Stratton won his third straight start on Saturday by holding the Chicago Cubs to three runs and four hits over five innings. The 27-year-old leads the Giants in victories despite serving up seven home runs and posting a 6.31 ERA in his last five starts. Stratton struggled in his only previous start against Pivetta and the Phillies on May 9, giving up five runs on five hits and four walks over 4 2/3 innings en route to the loss.
WALK-OFFS
1. The Phillies outscored the Giants 32-8 during a four-game home sweep from May 7-10.
2. San Francisco LHP Madison Bumgarner (finger) is expected to make his season debut Tuesday against Arizona after allowing one run over 4 2/3 innings in Thursday’s rehab start for Single-A San Jose.
3. The Phillies recalled RHP Mark Leiter Jr. and OF Dylan Cozens from Triple-A Lehigh Valley and designated RHP Drew Hutchison for assignment.