8/19: Open game thread

This afternoon, the Mariners will try to even the series against the Phillies during Hisashi Iwakuma's first career start in Philadelphia. It will be the first of two starts Iwakuma sees this week, the second coming on Sunday during the series finale against the Red Sox.

Iwakuma has been outstanding in his last four starts, going at least 6 2/3 innings and averaging one run per outing. He only took one loss when the Mariners got blanked by Chris Tillman and the Indians last month, but is currently clinging to 2.8 fWAR and a 2.94 xFIP, good for sixth-best among American League starters. (For more Hisashi Iwakuma appreciation, Scott has a great piece on his extension with the Mariners.)

Opposite Iwakuma, right-hander A.J. Burnett will start for the Phillies. Burnett has been shaky in his last four appearances, taking four losses and giving up 21 runs, 10 walks, and striking out 17 over 18 2/3 innings pitched. He recorded his shortest start against the Nationals earlier this month, when he was ejected during Washington's 11-0 blowout for chewing out home plate umpire Chris Guccione over what he felt was an inconsistent strike zone.

Endy Chavez has been reinstated in right field after McClendon's experiment with Logan Morrison yesterday. While the skipper was banking on the short right field porch giving his power hitters an advantage, the M's were limited to one run and only one extra base hit. Today, Morrison will be taking over at first base for Kendrys Morales and batting ahead of Chavez in the lineup.

Game info

• Mariners @ Phillies, 4:05 p.m. PST
• Today's game will be televised on ROOT Sports, broadcast on 710 ESPN, and available to out-of-market fans at MLB TV here.