Philadelphia will open the series Friday with Joe Blanton, then come back to the top of the rotation with Roy Halladay and Cliff Lee. Blanton (0-1, 5.92 ERA) has ugly numbers, but he’s been much better over his past two starts, allowing just four runs over 14 innings. Blanton's role in the Phillies' rotation, surrounded by four All-Stars, has been a topic of conversation since the offseason. Will he use this opportunity to prove that he deserves his spot?

Halladay (3-1, 2.41 ERA) has pitched brilliantly in all but one start this season. After getting shelled against Milwaukee on April 19, Halladay bounced back last week, giving up just a single earned run and striking out 14 in 8.2 innings of work against San Diego.

Lee (2-2, 4.18 ERA) has three double-digit strikeout games in five starts this season—including 12 last week—but he gave up four runs in seven innings of a 4-0 loss to Arizona in his most recent outing.

The Mets will send Mike Pelfrey, Jonathon Niese and Chris Young to the mound. Young (1-0, 2.65 ERA) has easily been the best of the bunch, though he was chased in his last start after giving up three runs in 4.2 innings.

Pelfrey (1-2, 7.23 ERA) and Niese (1-3, 5.10 ERA) have both struggled at times. After giving up three-plus runs in each of his first four starts, Pelfrey might be back on track; he allowed just a single run in seven innings against the Diamondbacks in his last start. Niese has allowed just four earned runs in his past 13 innings, so he’s been better as well.

Philly exploded for 39 hits and 22 runs in a three-game series with the Mets earlier this season. The team hit .358, while Placido Polanco hit .462 with eight RBIs. The Mets had 32 hits and 14 runs in the series while batting a respectable .296.

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