Don't look now, but the Phillies are suddenly as hot as the weather.
Last night they got a decent outing from another young pitcher, David Buchanan, as they won their fourth straight game in the second half of the season, beating the Tampa Bay Rays, 5-3.
But most people are targeting tonight, when stud rookie pitcher Aaron Nola will take the hill for the Phillies. Nola, drafted in the first round by the Phils just 13 months ago, will be the starting pitcher at Citizens Bank Park tonight.
Of course, this is the Phillies, so even this sudden turnaround comes complete with a few clouds. For his effort, Buchanan earned a trip back up the Northeast Extension to Triple A Lehigh Valley. A couple of off days is juggling the Phillies' rotation, so Buchanan was sent down.
The other huge, young bright spot in the Phils' lineup, third baseman Maikel Franco, left the game last night with some tenderness in his elbow. Here are the details.
And the Phillies pitching staff continues to labor under the cloud of injury. Chadd Billingsley didn't last long on the healthy list. He's going back on the DL with continuing elbow pain.
Jack McCaffery has those details here.
In the meantime, all eyes will be on Nola tonight.
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