Atlanta @ Philadelphia preview
Citizens Bank Park
Last Meeting ( May 3, 2012 ) Philadelphia 4, Atlanta 0
After salvaging a split of a four-game series versus one last-place team, the Atlanta Braves will look for better results against another on Friday when they open a three-game set against the host Philadelphia Phillies. Atlanta wrapped up a 5-5 homestand on Thursday by belting four homers en route to a 7-3 triumph over the struggling Chicago Cubs. Philadelphia took two of three from its National League East rival from May 1-3.
The slumping Phillies could be getting a shot in the arm soon - something they can desperately use. Slugger Ryan Howard, who is working his way back from an Achilles injury, is expected to be activated off the disabled list this weekend. Roy Halladay, who is nursing a strained right latissimus dorsi, will have his third bullpen session on Saturday and is tentatively eyeing a return as early as the July 16-18 series in Los Angeles.
TV: 7:05 p.m. ET, PTV (Atlanta), CSN (Philadelphia)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Braves RH Tim Hudson (6-4, 3.87 ERA) vs. Phillies RH Kyle Kendrick (2-8, 5.35 ERA)
Hudson will look to rebound from a porous effort versus Washington on Sunday, when he yielded six runs on eight hits. The soon-to-be 37-year-old has posted a 7-8 career mark versus the Phillies, but has yet to face them this season. Hudson has fared well on the road, going 3-1 with a 2.34 ERA while registering a slim 1.07 WHIP.
Kendrick has dropped his last four decisions, but he does own an impressive 6-1 career mark versus Atlanta. The 27-year-old will face the Braves for the first time this season. Kendrick has labored badly since his last win on June 1, permitting 25 runs and 32 hits in his last five appearances. He yielded five runs on six hits in seven innings in a loss to Pittsburgh on Thursday.
WALK-OFFS
1. Martin Prado, who is riding an 11-game hitting streak, has blistered Kendrick in his career. Prado is 7-for-12 with a homer and three RBIs against the hurler.
2. Jimmy Rollins was brilliant in Thursday's loss to New York, collecting three hits, driving in a pair of runs and scoring what would have been the game-winner had the Phillies not imploded in the ninth inning. Rollins, however, has struggled mightily versus Hudson, going 12-for-64 (.188).
3. Atlanta placed left-hander Jonny Venters on the 15-day disabled list with a left elbow impingement. The Braves recalled left-hander Luis Avilan from Triple-A Gwinnett to take the roster spot.