So why get involved with the Phillies when they are playing the Mets?

Bartolo Colon. That's why.

The overweight 42-year-old has a 4.65 ERA on the season, worked in relief two days ago for the first time in four years and the Mets' bullpen carries a high fatigue rating.

Oh, yes, the Mets also are 3-9 in Colon's last 12 starts.

Jerad Eickhoff makes his third big league start for Philadelphia. Acquired in the Cole Hamels deal with Texas, Eickhoff threw six shut out innings against the Marlins during his big league debut then lost five days ago to Colon and the Mets, 9-4. Eickoff pitched decently in that game allowing three earned runs on six hits in six innings. He has a 2.25 ERA on the season.

The Phillies aren't as bad as their overall record shows. They are 23-17 since the All-Star break.