The Pittsburgh Pirates travel across the state to visit the Philadelphia Phillies for the weekend.
At the end of July the Phillies came to Pittsburgh for a four game tilt that ended in the Pirates being swept. The Phillies currently hold the 2nd Wild Card spot behind fellow NL East club — that just left Pittsburgh demoralized with another sweep — Atlanta Braves.
As a whole the Phillies have been strong on both sides of the ball. For hitting they have the 7th highest OPS in the MLB (.738 OPS) while their pitching staff have the 10th best ERA (3.77). One area where the Pirates may show a competitive advantage (if even just slightly) is defensively, as Mets broadcaster Keith Hernandez would likely agree.
The Pirates lead the league with 88 total errors to the Phillies 55 errors. When looking at Fangraphs Fielding leaderboards they tell a different story. Using Defensive Runs Saved (DRS) the Pirates check in at 22nd with -4 while the Phillies are 27th at -28.
Citizens Bank Park has been very friendly to hitter’s over the years as one of the friendliest HR hitter parks, per Baseball Savant Park Factors Leaderboard. Phillies’ pitchers have given up the 6th fewest HR’s at 114 total while the Pirates sit 15th fewest with 130 HR’s given up. For the defense to play a part the biggest thing will be keeping the ball in the park.
Pirates @ Phillies
Time: 7:05 PM EST
Pirates Starter: Bryse Wilson (2-7, 5.74)
Phillies Starter: Zack Wheeler (11-7, 3.07)
Wilson Notes: In his last start against the Cincinnati Reds, Bryse Wilson completed seven innings for the first time in his MLB career. Wilson hasn’t been dominant but he’s been dependable. He’s completed at least five innings in each of his last five starts since being recalled. Covering 28.2 innings in those five starts he’s had a 4.40 ERA giving up 14 earned runs in that span. Depending on the off-season Bryse could either have an inside track on one of the last rotation spots or be a strong long relief or depth starter option.
UPDATE: Holderman injured. Ramirez returns
LINEUPS:
Pirates
Wilson on the mound tonight.#LetsGoBucs pic.twitter.com/Nr0qPChZKD
— Pittsburgh Pirates (@Pirates) August 26, 2022
Phillies
1. Kyle Schwarber (L) LF
2. Rhys Hoskins (R) 1B
3. Alec Bohm (R) 3B
4. Bryce Harper (L) DH
5. J.T. Realmuto (R) C
6. Nick Castellanos (R) RF
7. Bryson Stott (L) SS
8. Jean Segura (R) 2B
9. Matt Vierling (R) CF
