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With some extra rest since his last start, in last Tuesday's MLB All-star Game, Roy Halladay is all set to begin the second half of his season and go after his 12th win of the season, as the Phillies (59-35) begin a series on the road in Chicago, taking on the Cubs (38-58) at Wrigley Field. Former Phillie right-hander Rodrigo Lopez will take the hill for Chicago in the opener. Read ahead for details on the pitching match ups and other key stats for this series. Monday, 8:05PM. Roy Halladay (11-3, 2.45 ERA) vs. Rodrigo Lopez (1-2, 4.02 ERA). Halladay has a 1-3 record with a 3.24 ERA in 4 career starts against the Cubs. In his last 10 starts, Halladay has posted a 6-0 record with a 2.68 ERA. Aramis Ramirez is 2-for-16 (.125 avg) in his career against Halladay. In 6 career games against the Phillies, Lopez has posted a 1-1 record and a 5.74 ERA. Lopez has a 4.66 ERA in 6 home appearances this season. Ryan Howard is 6-for-11 (.545 avg) with a HR in his career against RoLo. Tuesday, 8:...

The Phillies' (10-5) road trip continues, as they travel to Arizona for 3 games against the DiamondBacks (6-9). Arizona is struggling, as they won just one game over their last seven outings. Their relievers have a 12.42 ERA in that span. The first place Phillies will face two familiar pitchers, Kris Benson and Rodrigo Lopez, who have both been in the Phils' system in recent years, as well as a manager who is familiar, AJ Hinch, who once caught for the Phillies. The Phillies hope to build on recent strong starting pitching that has posted a 0.58 ERA in the past 4 games. Read ahead for information on pitching matchups and more. Friday, 9:40pm. Cole Hamels (2-1, 3.86 ERA) vs. Kris Benson (0-1, 3.00). Hamels is 2-0 in 3 starts against Arizona with a 1.74 ERA. In 13 2/3 innings pitched at Chase Field, Arizona batters have a .146 batting avg. against Colbert. Mark Reynolds is 0-for-6 in his career against Hamels. Benson is 5-0 with a 3.22 ERA in 9 career starts against Philadelphia...

That was love-Lee! 9 innings, 4 hits, 6 strike outs, 2 walks, 1 run, complete game, win. That was quite a first impression. Welcome, once again, to the Phillies, Cliff Lee. Lee even delivered with his bat, getting 2 hits in 4 at bats. His location was absolutely refined as Lee threw nearly 70% of his pitches for strikes in the 5-1 defeat of the Giants. This was Lee's third complete game in his last four starts. His addition to the pitching staff will surely be a help in the win column, but can also assist the bullpen. The Phils' bullpen has been used a lot this season, and has been depleted with a lot of injuries. The addition of Lee should help use the relievers for less innings, at least once every five days. Furthermore, adding Cliff Lee to the starting rotation means a starter gets added to the bullpen...at least for now. Scott Lauber confirms that Rodrigo Lopez will be moved to the bullpen, after the addition of Lee. RoLo said, "I think I can pitch as well in the bul...

The Chicago Cubs (47-43) make their only trip of the season to Philadelphia (51-38) starting tonight. The three game series will pit the World Champs against the team many people thought should have been the World Champs. Below is a look at the pitching match ups for the series and other game notes. Monday, 7:05pm. Ted Lilly (9-6, 3.18 ERA) vs. Rodrigo Lopez (1-0, 3.18 ERA). Lilly has a 2.11 ERA over his last 3 starts. In 4 career starts against the Phillies , Lilly is 1-3 with a 4.88 ERA. On the road this season, Lilly is 3-5 with a 4.66 ERA in 9 starts. Pedro Feliz against Lilly is 4-for-13 with 2 homers and 7 RBI. RoLo will be making his third start of the season for our Phillies . In 4 2/3 innings (1 start) in his career against the Cubbies (a June 2007 start), RoLo gave up 8 earned runs (15.43 ERA). Alfonso Soriano is a career .343 hitter (12-for-35) against RoLo with 3 homers and 5 RBI. Tuesday, 7:05pm. Rich Harden (6-6, 5.06 ERA) vs. Joe Blanton (6-4, 4.44 ERA). The f...

Welcome to Philadelphia, RoLo! Rodrigo Lopez the newest Phillies starting pitcher threw 6 1/3 solid innings, allowing just 2 earned runs and 1 walk while striking out 4 to earn the win against the Metropolitans. Pitching with an early lead surely made a return to the Majors easier for Rodrigo. Amanda at PhilliesNation has more. Adios, Jack Trashcan! That guy with the hot wife was designated for assignment on Friday to make room for RoLo. Taschner's 5.20 ERA left him struggling to see game action. He had been used sparingly in recent weeks. Todd Zolecki has all the details of what may become of Taschner and his $835,000 contract. Colbert Hamels has some nicknames. The best known one is obviously Cole. Another is Hollywood, after his shining performance in the 2008 post season which led to a huge media tour for a majority of the offseason. Teammates have even begun calling him Pert Plus, as a joke refering to his lovely locks of hair. Pert Plus, the shampoo company, not the pitche...