(UPDATED) PHILADELPHIA — The reeling Mets will try to avoid an embarrassing sweep at the hands of the Phillies here this afternoon when ace Johan Santana takes the mound at Citizens Bank Park. Santana is the midst of a worrisome stretch. After compiling a 6.50 ERA in six starts from mid-May to mid-June, the left-hander appeared to put it back together with a pair of starts in which he allowed just three earned runs combined.
But Santana struggled badly again in his most recent outing this week in Milwaukee, giving up six runs on nine hits — including a monster home run by Prince Fielder — and four walks in a loss to the Brewers.
On the plus side, Santana is 4-0 with a 2.25 ERA in eight career starts against the Phillies, including 2-0 with a 3.21 ERA in two starts this season.
Santana will face off against Phillies right-hander Joe Blanton, who has split his eight decisions this season. Blanton is 1-0 with a 2.14 ERA in two career starts against the Amazin’s.
Here is the 39-41 Mets’ order for the 1:35 p.m. game:
Alex Cora SS
Daniel Murphy 1B
David Wright 3B
Ryan Church RF
Nick Evans LF
Jeremy Reed CF
Brian Schneider C
Luis Castillo 2B
Johan Santana LHP (9-6, 3.34)
The 41-37 Phillies will counter with:
Jimmy Rollins SS
Shane Victorino CF
Chase Utley 2B
Ryan Howard 1B
Jayson Werth RF
Pedro Feliz 3B
John Mayberry Jr. LF
Carlos Ruiz C
Joe Blanton RHP (4-4, 5.08)
