The red-hot Phillies, still with baseball’s worst record at 41-65, but having won 12 of 15 since the All-Star break, welcome the streaking Los Angeles Dodgers (60-45) for a 3-game set in the cozy confines of Citizens Bank Park. The Dodgers have ripped off four straight victories, opening up a 2.5 games lead over the 2nd place San Francisco Giants.
Los Angeles made national waves at last week’s MLB trade deadline by taking part in super 3-way trade with the Braves and Marlins. The Dodgers picked up pitchers Alex Wood, Bronson Arroyo, Luis Avilan, and Jim Johnson, 2nd base prospect Jose Peraza, and cash while sending Hector Olivera, Paco Rodriguez, and Zachary Bird to the Braves.