There is rain in the forecast for most of Sunday morning and afternoon in Philadelphia, where the Phillies are scheduled to cap a three-game series with the Washington Nationals.
The Nationals probably wouldn’t complain too much about a rainout, even after an exciting 10-8 win on Saturday night.
Kurt Suzuki hit a pinch-hit, three-run homer in the eighth inning off Adam Morgan, and Victor Robles followed with a solo shot off the lefty for a 9-8 lead.
“You want to be aggressive,” Suzuki told Mid-Atlantic Sports Network of his approach against Morgan, who had not allowed a run this year going into Saturday’s game.
Washington, which begins a series Monday in Milwaukee, lost first baseman Matt Adams (jammed left shoulder) and center fielder Michael A. Taylor (jammed wrist) to injuries in the game.
“I am really concerned about Adams,” manager Dave Martinez said. X-rays were negative for both players, and each will have an MRI on Sunday.
The Nationals already put outfielder Juan Soto on the injured list with back spasms before Saturday’s game. Utility man Jake Noll, who was on the Opening Day roster, was pulled from the starting lineup for Triple-A Fresno on Saturday night at Las Vegas and could join the Nationals on Sunday.
“Injuries have taken a toll on us. We have to keep fighting,” Suzuki said.
The Nationals even used Cy Young Award winner Max Scherzer as a pinch hitter with the bases loaded Saturday, and he almost came through with a hit before making an out in the ninth.
Zach Eflin (3-3, 3.34 ERA) is on tap to pitch for the Phillies on Sunday against Washington’s Anibal Sanchez (0-4, 5.91).
“I’ve had my ups and downs. I’m healthy now, and that is all that matters,” Eflin told reporters after his April 28 start, a one-run complete-game victory over Miami.
Sanchez is 5-10 with 4.66 ERA in 22 starts against the Phillies, while Eflin is 2-1 with a 4.34 ERA in four starts against the Nationals.
Weather permitting, Sanchez will make his third start this season against the Phillies.
It will be a busy day near Citizens Bank Park. There is a road race expected to draw 40,000 people, and the Philadelphia 76ers are slated to host a playoff game at 3:30 p.m. with the Toronto Raptors just across the street.
Washington’s third and final trip to Philadelphia will come in July, providing an opportunity for a makeup game if Sunday is rained out.
Phillies slugger Rhys Hoskins was 1-for-4 on Saturday, and more than half of his 62 career homers have tied the game or put the Phillies ahead.
“It feels that way,” Phillies manager Gabe Kapler said of that stat.
Saturday was the second game for new Nationals pitching coach Paul Menhart, a long-time instructor in the Washington farm system.
“He really has a charisma about him,” said Double-A reliever Aaron Barrett said Saturday.
Barrett was with Double-A Harrisburg in 2013 when Menhart was the pitching coach. Barrett pitched for the Nationals in 2014-15 and is trying to get back to the majors after battling injuries.
The Phillies brought outfielder Odubel Herrera off the IL and designated outfielder Aaron Altherr for assignment before the game.