Game 39: Rollins to lead off, Revere scratched with stomach virus

Looking to get more punch in his lineup, Phillies manager Ryne Sandberg has inserted Jimmy Rollins in the lead-off spot for the first time this year in tonight's game at Citizens Bank Park against the Cincinnati Reds.

At around 5 p.m. the tarp was taken off the field.

And the teams play, Rollins will start things off offensively for the Phillies. All 33 of Rollins starts this season have been as the No. 2 hitter.

Catcher Carlos Ruiz will now hit second. In four games this season as the No. 2 hitter, Ruiz is hitting .571 (8 for 14) with a 1.557 OPS.

While Revere was scratched from the lineup with a stomach virus, Sandberg wouldn't say whether he would have played if he were healthy.

Sandberg also has John Mayberry Jr. in center field and batting seventh. Ben Revere was originally in the lineup, but was scratched due to a stomach virus. He has a .284 on base percentage, while Tony Gwynn Jr. has a .290 OPB.

Then again, Mayberry is at .286.

Kyle Kendrick (0-3, 3.98) has pitched better than his record. RHP Alfredo Simon (4-2, 2.89) is the starter. The Reds are 18-21 while the Phillies (17-21) are looking to snap a three-game losing streak.

Here is the Phillies lineup:

1.Jimmy Rollins, SS

2. Carlos Ruiz, c

3. Chase Utley, 2b

4. Ryan Howard, 1b

5. Marlon Byrd, rf

6. Domonic Brown, lf

7. John Mayberry Jr., cf

8. Cody Asche, 3b

9. Kyle Kendrick, p