Matt Vierling moves to leadoff spot, Castellanos drops to No. 5

Phillies interim manager Rob Thomson hinted at the possibility of lineup changes ahead of the series finale against the Chicago Cubs. The team has scored only two runs in both games since returning from the All-Star break.

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.

It marks the first time Thomson has penciled in a new leadoff hitter in his time as Phillies manager. Hoskins, Jean Segura, J.T. Realmuto, Alec Bohm and Odúbel Herrera have all started at least one game as the team’s leadoff hitter.

When asked about Vierling’s fit as a leadoff hitter, Thomson praised both Vierling and Stott’s at-bats in recent weeks.

“Like I said all along, when you look up at the scoreboard, it may say a number, but when you look at two weeks or the last month, their numbers are really good,” Thomson said. “The eye test. Just watching the at-bats, they’ve been really good. They’re taking pitches. They’re grinding out at-bats.”

And as far as talking to Castellanos about moving down in the lineup?

“He was a pro,” Thomson said. “He said ‘Whatever you think you need to do.'”

Segura getting close

It sounds like the Phillies are pretty confident that Segura is close to a return from injury. The Phillies could have a rehab assignment plan ready for him as early as Tuesday and he might not need to spend much time in the minors.

“His workout yesterday, watching it, was so good,” Thomson said. “The biggest thing that I was wondering about was how he was going to throw. He threw the ball so well yesterday. It was really surprising for me. It might not take as long as I thought it would.”

Segura told MLB.com‘s Todd Zolecki earlier this week that he hopes to begin a rehab assignment when the Phillies head to Pittsburgh for a six-game roadtrip. He is eligible to come off the 60-day injured list on Aug. 3.

“I wouldn’t be surprised if he’s back here quick,” Thomson said.

Notes

• Left-handed reliever Ryan Sherriff (left shoulder strain) pitched a scoreless inning yesterday on rehab with the Triple-A Lehigh Valley IronPigs. Unless he experiences another setback, he’ll need to be added back to the 40-man roster on Aug. 3. Thomson said that his velocity is not where it needed to be in his last two outings. He spent time in COVID protocols in June. “Not that we’re going to make a move to bring him to the big leagues, but I think he’s pretty close to being ready.”
• JoJo Romero was optioned to Lehigh Valley after Saturday’s game. Bailey Falter was recalled. He’ll start Sunday’s game against Chicago.

Here are the lineups for Sunday’s game against the Cubs. As a quick reminder, the game can only be streamed on Peacock with a premium subscription.

Cubs

1. Christopher Morel, center field
2. Nico Hoerner, shortstop
3. Patrick Wisdom, third base
4. Seiya Suzuki, right fielder
5. Ian Happ, designated hitter
6. Frank Schwindel, first base
7. Yan Gomes, catcher
8. David Bote, second base
9. Nelson Velázquez, left field

Starting Pitcher: LHP Drew Smyly

Phillies

1. Matt Vierling, center field
2. Kyle Schwarber, left field
3. Rhys Hoskins, first base
4. Darick Hall, designated hitter
5. Nick Castellanos, right field
6. Bryson Stott, second base
7. Alec Bohm, third base
8. Didi Gregorius, shortstop
9. Garrett Stubbs, catcher

Starting Pitcher: LHP Bailey Falter

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