Phillies interim manager Rob Thomson hinted at the possibility of lineup changes ahead of the series finale against the Chicago Cubs.
Matt Vierling moves to the leadoff spot against left-handed pitcher Drew Smyly. Kyle Schwarber and Rhys Hoskins move down a spot while Nick Castellanos drops from third to fifth.
Five lefties — Schwarber, Darick Hall, Bryson Stott, Didi Gregorius and Garrett Stubbs — are in the lineup because of Smyly’s reverse splits, per Thomson. While the slugging percentage is higher against righties, left-handed hitters are getting on base against the former Phillie at a higher clip this season.