Game 88: The return of A.J. Burnett

PITTSBURGH: A.J. Burnett makes his first return to PNC Park since leaving the Pirates after last season and signing with the Phillies as a free agent.

Burnett (5-7, 3.92) will face LHP Jeff Locke (1-1, 3.46) in today's series finale against the Pirates at PNC Park.

During his two years with the Pirates, Burnett went 26-21 with a 3.42 ERA in 61 starts. He helped lead them to the playoffs last year.

The Phillies have lost eight of nine and 12 of 15 and are giving both Chase Utley and Ryan Howard the day off against the lefthander.

Cesar Hernandez starts at second and John Mayberry Jr. at first.

The Phillies are 37-50 and the last time they had more losses after 87 games was 1997 when they started 25-62.

Here is the Phillies lineup.

1. Ben Revere, CF

2. Cesar Hernandez, 2B

3. Jimmy Rollins, SS

4. Marlon Byrd, RF

5. John Mayberry Jr., 1B

6. Cody Asche, 3B

7. Domonic Brown, LF

8. Cameron Rupp, C

9. A.J. Burnett, P