After taking the final three games of their series against the San Diego Padres, the Philadelphia Phillies welcome the Washington Nationals to town for a three-game series that -- if the first two weeks were any indication -- will likely be dominated by pitching.
The Nationals staff currently has the lowest ERA in baseball (2.22) through eight games. The Phillies aren't far behind with a team ERA of 3.23 (7th in MLB) and the second-best FIP of any club in their 10 games.
Neither team, however, has been able to generate much offense. Both are below the league average in terms of runs scored per game and batting average, but Phillies manager Pete Mackanin is hoping that turns around soon. And it starts at the top of the order.
So far this season, that's been the responsibility of middle infielders Freddy Galvis and Cesar Hernandez. Given the fact that they've combined to hit just .150 in 40 at bats so far leaves the man in charge of filling out the lineup card each day scratching his head.
For example, Hernandez has a .294 average on the season, but has been a totally different player when batting second as opposed to leadoff.
| AB | H | SO-BB | BA | OBP | SLG | |
| 1st | 19 | 3 | 6-0 | .158 | .158 | .211 |
| 2nd | 15 | 7 | 1-1 | .467 | .500 | .600 |
“I’ll take suggestions [on the leadoff spot]," Mackanin said prior to the series opener against Washington. "I’m happy to hear suggestions."
"My wife has a lot of suggestions for me," he added with a laugh.
And although he admitted it wasn't her idea to change things up at the top of his order on Friday, the Phillies will feature their third different leadoff hitter in their first 11 games -- Emmanuel Burriss.
He'll get his second start of the season, both at second base in place of Cesar Hernandez, who will get the day off after starting each of the last seven games. The 31-year-old Burriss has failed to record a hit in his five at bats (three strikeouts), but stole a base and scored a run the only time he reached base (on a walk).
Despite his limited playing time so far this season, he isn't looking at Friday's game as a tryout.
"I think we're just trying to win games," he said, brushing aside the idea that he could earn a more regular spot atop the order. "Whenever [Mackanin] puts a lineup together, he's trying to put us in the best possible position to the ballgame that day. It's the same with the bullpen, or with any rotation you have. So I don't think it's an opportunity or anything -- I mean, any time you're on the field it's an opportunity -- but as far as what the lineup is saying I just think it's just trying to give us an opportunity to win that night."
As for his manager, he's just trying to figure out a way to spark an offense that's scoring under three runs per game.
"I'm going to take a look at him [as a possible leadoff hitter going forward]," Mackanin said of Burris. "That doesn't mean that he's going to be our leadoff hitter. But with the options I have, why not him?"
Here's a look at the full lineup as Jeremy Hellickson (1-0, 1.54 ERA) and the Phillies face Joe Ross (1-0, 1.29) and the 7-1 Nationals:
1. Emmanuel Burriss, 2B
2. Freddy Galvis, SS
3. Odubel Herrera, CF
4. Maikel Franco, 3B
5. Ryan Howard, 1B
6. Carlos Ruiz, C
7. Cedric Hunter, LF
8. Peter Bourjos, RF
9. Jeremy Hellickson, P
RUF AVAILABLE OFF BENCH
Perhaps some of that offensive boost can come from Darin Ruf, who has been sidelined since injuring his shoulder in Monday's home opener.
Ruf had been taking reps in the outfield in the hopes that he could play some left field to help bolster the outfield, but that plan was derailed when he went down with the injury. Ruf took batting practice for the first time on Friday and Mackanin said that he would be available off the bench, adding that he'll likely start Sunday's game against lefty Gio Gonzalez. It's a safe bet that start will be at first base, giving Ryan Howard the day off against a lefty he has failed to get a hit off in 12 career plate appearances.
Follow Matt on Twitter: @matt_mullin