Philadelphia @ Washington preview

Last Meeting ( Jul 31, 2012 ) Philadelphia 8, Washington 0

One day after dealing outfielders Hunter Pence and Shane Victorino for prospects at the trade deadline, the new-look Phillies aim for a second straight win over host Washington. The Nationals, who lead the National League East by 2 1/2 games over Atlanta, chose to stand pat at the deadline after shopping for pitching help. First baseman Adam LaRoche and third baseman Ryan Zimmerman both missed Tuesday’s game with back soreness, but both are expected to return for Wednesday’s contest.

At 15 1/2 games behind Washington in the division, the Phillies haven’t had much to celebrate this season. They’re hoping Monday’s game signals a new chapter, starting with Cliff Lee’s seven scoreless innings in the series opener. By trading Pence and Victorino, the team has opened up a spot for outfielder Domonic Brown, who figures to play regularly over the next two months. The 24-year-old Brown has struggled to produce in the majors during his previous opportunities, but he was hitting .362 (17-for-47) with a home run in his last 13 games at Triple-A.

TV: 7:05 p.m. ET, CSN Philadelphia, MASN

PITCHING MATCHUP: Phillies RH Vance Worley (5-6, 3.88 ERA) vs. Nationals RH Edwin Jackson (6-6, 3.52)

Worley is 1-2 with a 6.43 ERA in July after giving up three runs and 10 hits in 5 1/3 innings against the Brewers last Wednesday. He allowed a season-high 11 hits in his only start against the Nationals this season on May 5. Worley has a 1.42 WHIP along with 91 strikeouts over 102 innings.

Jackson has been outstanding in his last two starts, allowing just one run with a 13-to-3 strikeout-to-walk ratio in 14 innings. He pitched seven scoreless innings last Thursday against Milwaukee, and has rebounded nicely after turning in two shaky outings to start the month.

WALK-OFFS

1. Opponents have been successful on 34 of the last 35 stolen base attempts against the Nationals.

2. The Phillies’ bullpen has given up four earned runs over 27 innings (1.33 ERA) in its last 11 games.

3. Washington activated INF Chad Tracy from the 15-day disabled list and optioned OF Corey Brown to Triple-A Syracuse. Tracy missed two months with a torn right abductor muscle.