Buchanan sharp vs. Rays
In his second spring start (and fourth overall game), David Buchanan continued to look like a lock for the rotation. He retired 10 straight Tampa Bay Rays to begin Tuesday's game.
Jerome Williams' kelly green glove sat in his locker, ready to go. But the veteran Phillies pitcher was not - Williams was scratched from what would have been his fourth straight of the spring after tweaking his right hamstring while running on Sunday.
So David Buchanan, for the second time this spring, sprung into action and took the mound in place of Williams on short notice. He looked plenty prepared for the St. Patrick's Day start.
Buchanan reeled off three straight perfect innings, striking out 6 of the first 9 batters he faced.
"I felt good," the second-year starter said. "I was able to throw all my pitches for strikes, I think that's what helped me out the most. ... I think in the second inning I was better about getting ahead strike one. But being behind 1-0 is what I'm trying to avoid, because over the course of the game if you keep doing that your pitch count is going to escalate, which you don't want."
Buchanan retired 10 straight before giving up back-to-back hits in the fourth inning. The latter scored the game's first run when Ben Revere's throw from center field arrived a tad late to the plate.
Buchanan allowed one run on two hits while striking out six. He didn't walk a batter.
With Cliff Lee set to start the season on the 60-day DL, Buchanan is a lock for a rotation spot, along with Opening Day starter Cole Hamels, Williams and Aaron Harang. Harang is set to make his second start of the spring on Thursday night in Tampa.