Shaun Marcum comes off the disabled list to make his New York Mets debut on Saturday in the resumption of a three-game series against the Philadelphia Phillies and their rookie starter.
Marcum, who went 7-4 in 21 games for the Brewers last season, was signed as a free agent by the Mets. The right-hander has been on the DL with a neck strain. He's 2-1 in five career games against the Phillies.
Jonathan Pettibone will try to follow up Kyle Kendrick's gem Friday night when he counters on the hill for the Phillies. Pettibone, a 22-year-old righty, made his major league debut Monday and threw 5 1/3 strong innings on a no- decision versus Pittsburgh. He fanned six in that span.
Kendrick went the distance on a three-hitter for his second career shutout in a 4-0 win on Friday. Ryan Howard belted a three-run homer and Michael Young had an RBI single for the Phillies, who snapped a three-game skid.
Kendrick (2-1) walked one and had five strikeouts for his third career complete game. He threw 73 of his 107 pitches for strikes.
"I really just wanted to get strike one," Kendrick said. "Most of the night I was able to do that."
Dillon Gee (1-4) allowed seven hits and all four runs for the Mets, who lost their second in a row.
"I felt pretty good tonight," Gee said. "I felt in control, then all of a sudden I just had three balls I wish I could have back. It would be a different story."
Howard is on a tear against the Mets. The slugger has five homers and 19 RBI in his last 11 games against New York.
Phillies closer Jonathan Papelbon has an amazing streak going into the final few days of April. He is a perfect 55-for-55 in save opportunities in the month of April.
The Phillies have won each of their last four games at Citi Field and eight of their last 11 (dating to the 2011 season)
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