Slumping Rollins gets a rest

In the middle of a month-long slump, Jimmy Rollins is not in the starting lineup as the Phillies open a series tonight with the Seattle Mariners at Citizens Bank Park.

For the season Rollins is hitting .236 with 15 home runs, 50 RBIs a .695 OPS and 86 strikeouts.

In 15 games this month, Rollins is hitting .175 (11 for 63) with one RBI, 18 strikeouts and a .437 OPS.

Andres Blanco will start at shortstop for the Phillies.

RHP Jerome Williams (0-0. 3.38) will make his second start for the Phillies against Mariners LHP Roenis Elias (9-9, 4.14).

While the Phillies have long been out of contention, Seattle (67-56) begins the day one half game in front for the second wild card spot and 5.5 games out of first place in the American League West.

The Phillies won't face Cy Young favorite Felix Hernandez in this three-game series. The starters tomorrow are A.J Burnett (6-13, 4.35) vs. RHP Hisashi Iwakuma (11-6, 2.72), while Cole Hamels (6-6, 2.44) faces LHP James Paxton (3-0, 2.20) on Wednesday

Here is the Phillies lineup.

1. Ben Revere, CF

2. Carlos Ruiz, C

3. Chase Utley, 2B

4. Ryan Howard, 1B

5. Marlon Byrd, RF

6. Darin Ruf, LF

7. Cody Asche, 3B

8. Andres Blanco, SS

9. Jerome Williams, P