Series Preview: Phillies at Rangers, June 21 – 22

The ”Broad Street Bombers” nickname has come to life. The red-hot Phillies are heading South and are finally fun to watch again. The Phillies will only be in Texas for two days, but it will be important to capitalize on the Rangers’ slow start. While the Rangers are a subpar team, the Phillies might have to play the entire series without Bryce Harper—the 2021 Most Valuable Player, who is hitting .326 this season. Harper is on antibiotics because of a blister on his hand.

Last time they met

In early May, the Rangers swept the Phillies in a two-game series at Citizens Bank Park. Ranger Suarez struggled in game one, where he surrendered five runs in five innings. Seranthony Dominguez allowed a run in the sixth inning, and the Phillies were not able to come back. In game two, a pitcher’s duel, former Phillie Brad Miller hit a two-run single in extra innings to put the Rangers ahead by two. The Phillies couldn’t come back in the bottom of the tenth, and the Rangers completed the sweep.

Game two was another instance where the Phillies wasted an excellent pitching performance from Zack Wheeler.

Fortunately, a lot has shifted since these two teams last met. The Phillies have gone on a nine-game winning streak and replaced their manager. Nothing much has changed for the Rangers, as they are still floating around the .500 mark. Currently, they sit four games under. The Rangers are coming off of a series split with the Detroit Tigers. They won the first two but fell short after strong offensive performances from the Tigers in the last two games.

Familiar faces

Former Ranger Kyle Gibson is scheduled to start on Tuesday for the Phillies. Gibson was dealt to Philadelphia at the trade deadline after having a strong 2021 season. He has shown sparks of being the ace that he was with the Rangers, but inconsistencies with his command have thrown him off since. Gibson has a 4.04 ERA with the Phillies in 2022, but he had a 2.87 ERA with the Rangers in 2021. Although he has not been great, he threw one of his best games as a Phillie in his last outing. He threw eight innings and allowed just one run. He received a no-decision, as the Phillies were trailing up until the ninth inning.

The Phillies will also see former utility player Brad Miller. Miller spent just under two seasons in Philadelphia. Miller had an OPS of .941 with the Phils in 2019. Miller has struggled this season, but he is still a possible selling point for the Rangers when the trade deadline arrives.

Pitching matchups

Game 1: Kyle Gibson (RHP, 4-2, 4.04 ERA) vs. Martin Perez (LHP, 4-2, 2.1 ERA)

Game 2: Zack Wheeler (RHP, 6-3, 2.69 ERA) vs. Jon Gray (RHP, 2-3, 4.27 ERA)

The numbers

• Run Differential:
• Phillies: 36
• Rangers: -4

• Runs Scored Per Game:
• Phillies: 4.88
• Rangers: 4.35

• Runs Allowed Per Game:
• Phillies: 4.35
• Rangers: 4.41

Game times and broadcasts

• Tuesday, June 21, at 8:05pm ET on NBC Sports Philadelphia, WTTM 1680, 94.1 WIP
• Wednesday, June 22, at 4:05pm ET on NBC 10, WTTM 1680, 94.1 WIP

Game coverage will be available on Philly Sports Reports’ Twitter page.