Game 36: Squeeze week

The forecast is not promising for baseball, but clouds have hovered over Citizens Bank Park for much of this homestand. It would benefit the Phillies to play Monday simply because this week is already busy. Major League Baseball schedules one week out of the season for two two-game series.

So Houston is here for only two games. The finale is a day game Tuesday. Then the Phillies fly to Chicago for a brief two-game road trip before returning to commence interleague play with Boston.

If Monday is postponed, the two teams could play a doubleheader Tueday. But given it's a travel day for both squads — and the Phillies' preference for separate gates — they could make it up, say, Aug. 27. That's an off day for both teams. Phillies are home and Astros are traveling from New York to Houston.

Anyway, Charlie Manuel will use his 30th lineup in 36 games.

1. Jimmy Rollins 6
2. Juan Pierre 7
3. Shane Victorino 8
4. Hunter Pence 9
5. Carlos Ruiz 2
6. Placido Polanco 5
7. John Mayberry Jr. 3
8. Freddy Galvis 4
9. Joe Blanton 1

Houston is throwing Lucas Harrell, who has a 4.58 ERA in seven starts this season. He has struck out only 19 batters in 39 1/3 innings while walking 16.

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