NewsStairs is DH in Game 2 vs. Yankees
Veteran takes place of sick Dobbs, who was sent home
By Todd Zolecki / MLB.com
10/29/09 6:53 PM EST
NEW YORK -- Matt Stairs was leaning against the bat rack in the visitors' dugout at Yankee Stadium on Thursday afternoon when Charlie Manuel walked by.
"You tell him," Stairs said.
"Because Dobbs was sick," Manuel joked. "Out of options."
Manuel chose Stairs to be his designated hitter against New York Yankees right-hander A.J. Burnett in Game 2 of the World Series on Thursday, partially because the Phillies sent Greg Dobbs, who has the flu, back to Philadelphia.
Phillies general manager Ruben Amaro Jr. said they were not certain how serious Dobbs' sickness is, but they are hopeful he could be OK to play by Game 3 on Saturday night at 7:57 ET at Citizens Bank Park.
GAME 2 LINEUP
| No. | Name | Pos. |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | J. Rollins | SS |
| 2 | S. Victorino | CF |
| 3 | C. Utley | 2B |
| 4 | R. Howard | 1B |
| 5 | J. Werth | RF |
| 6 | R. Ibanez | LF |
| 7 | M. Stairs | DH |
| 8 | P. Feliz | 3B |
| 9 | C. Ruiz | C |
Fortunately for the Phillies, losing a bench player isn't as critical in an American League ballpark because of the DH.
Fortunately for the Phillies, Stairs, who is 3-for-11 with two home runs in his career against Burnett, has plenty of experience as a DH.
"I love to DH," Stairs said. "I don't have to worry about my defense. There was one thing I was born to do and that's to hit."
Stairs has hit .260 with 61 home runs and 248 RBIs in 1,452 at-bats as a DH in his career.
Stairs has had just four plate appearances since he started the final game of the regular season Oct. 4. He is excited for the opportunity, but he said he is not too excited.
"Amped up, no? Looking forward to it, yeah?" Stairs said. "If I'm amped up too much, I'll be a total idiot in that batter's box."
Todd Zolecki is a reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.
