MLBSep 25
Arraez sidelined by ankle sprain as Phillies chase playoff berth
Bryson Stott takes over at second base against Tampa Bay, with Philadelphia able to clinch if it wins and Arizona loses.
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Ankle injury keeps Arraez out
Luis Arraez is out of Philadelphia’s starting lineup for Friday night’s game against Tampa Bay after spraining his left ankle. Bryson Stott will handle second base as the Phillies open a three-game series with their playoff spot still unsettled. Arraez hurt the ankle during Thursday night’s loss to Milwaukee while attempting to evade a tag at first base. Trainers attended to him on the field before he left with assistance, hobbling away from the play. Acquired from San Francisco at the trade deadline, Arraez has provided Philadelphia with a bat that leads the National League with a.310 average. The three-time batting champion will be missing from the starting lineup at a critical point in the Phillies’ postseason pursuit.
Philadelphia has a path to clinch
The Phillies hold a two-game advantage over Arizona with three games remaining, but the Diamondbacks own the tiebreaker. Arizona closes its schedule at San Diego. A Philadelphia victory over the Rays paired with an Arizona loss Friday would secure the Phillies’ fifth consecutive playoff berth. Cristopher Sanchez gets the start against the AL East champions. The left-hander brings an 18-6 record and a 2.93 ERA into the matchup as Philadelphia looks to reverse a slide that has included 12 losses in 20 games. Fans booed the Phillies off the field following their latest defeat.
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