What to watch as Phillies won’t have their manager and are missing key players on series opener vs. Mets

The 12-13 Philadelphia Phillies are in some trouble as they face the 9-10 New York Mets Friday night.

Here’s what to watch:

Gregorius to COVID-related IL, Harper stays out, Realmuto scratched from lineup, no Girardi

Didi Gregorius was placed on the COVID-related injured list Friday, the Phillies announced. Their starting shortstop was out of the lineup for the second straight game, which seemed to be due to the fastball to the ribs he took from Genesis Cabrera Wednesday in St. Louis. Now, it’s unclear how much time he will miss. Phillies called up catcher Rafael Marchan from the alternate site to fill Gregarious’ spot.

Gregorius and Bryce Harper both missed Thursday’s game after being drilled with hard heaters in the same inning. Harper was hit first, taking a 97 mph pitch to the nose. He checked out fine at the hospital and went through concussion protocol. He posted an Instagram video after the game in good spirits and even texted with Cabrera to defuse the situation. It does not sound like Harper will require a stint on the injured list.

UPDATE (4:26 P.M. E.S.T.): J.T. Realmuto was a late-scratch from the lineup. There is no reason why just yet.

Manager Joe Girardi was ejected after his two players were hit and spoke passionately after the game about player safety, arguing if that’s the goal, a pitcher who hits multiple batters in scary places with blazing fastballs in such quick succession should be removed, intentional or not.

Girardi was away from the team Friday to attend his daughter’s college graduation. Bench coach Rob Thomson will manage for the night.

Anderson starts

The Phillies are 0-4 when Chase Anderson starts. He is starting Friday night.

Anderson had a respectable 4.15 ERA through his first three starts, but everything came crashing down in his last start vs. the Colorado Rockies.

Anderson hasn’t gone past five innings in any of his starts this season.

Starting lineups

Phillies’ starting lineup vs. Marcus Stroman:

Mets starting lineup vs. Chase Anderson:

Essentials

When: 7:45 P.M. E.S.T.

Where: Citizens Bank Park

Broadcast: NBC Sports Philadelphia +

Radio: 94.1 WIP

Social media coverage: Philly Sports Reports’ Twitter & Instagram.