Both the Philadelphia Phillies and Washington Nationals remained quiet during the trading period despite the number of rumors surrounding them. The Phillies opted to not deal any of their pitchers, but are still setting their focuses on the 2015 season with this year appear to be a wash. The Nationals still maintain a lead in the National League East, but recent losses have put that in jeopardy.
The Nationals are struggling since losing Ryan Zimmerman. The team has not gotten a home run since he has been out, but Asdrubal Cabrera could help chance that. He was acquired from Cleveland at the deadline to help with Zimmerman's absence since he injured his hamstring earlier in July. Washington is 34-19 when Zimmerman players and only 24-30 when he does not. The results show as the team has lost six of their last nine games since Zimmerman has been out.
Jordan Zimmermann will get the start. He is 6-5 with a 3.17 ERA on the season and has gone 4-1 with a 2.04 ERA in his last five starts against the Phillies which should work in Washington's favor. After spending time injured, Zimmermann returned against Miami where he did not allow a runner past first for six innings.
The Phillies will start AJ Burnett who also survived the trade deadline. He is 6-10 with a 4.15 ERA on the season. he has been inconsistent this season, especially over his last four starts. He combined for 13 runs and 18 hits in 10 innings of play. Burnett is just 2-5 on the road with a 6.80 ERA which could be a tough game against Washington on the road. However, in eight starts against he Nationals, Burnett is 5-1 with a 2.34 ERA. The Phillies are hoping Domonic Brown steps up as he is 7 of 14 against Zimmermann in his career.
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