MLB: New York Mets at Philadelphia Phillies

Philadelphia Phillies starting pitcher Jeremy Hellickson (58) pitches during the second inning against the New York Mets at Citizens Bank Park.

(Bill Streicher-USA Today Sports)

Business could pick up at Citizens Bank Park this week.

With the Miami Marlins coming into town for a series, the on-field battle between NL East teams isn't the only subplot to watch. With the Marlins interested in upgrading the back-end of their starting rotation, the veteran presence on the

pitching staff could be a possible answer.

the #Marlins will make a trade or two and this week they face someone on their radar, Jeremy Hellickson #Phillies — Joe Frisaro (@JoeFrisaro) July 18, 2016



Hellickson is slated to start against the Marlins on Wednesday evening.



Prior to Boston landing Drew Pomeranz from the San Diego Padres last week, rumors connected Hellickson with the AL contenders.



Miami heads into Philadelphia with a 49-42 record and in second place in the National League East. While the Marlins sit six full games behind the NL East leading Washington Nationals, Miami is tied with the Mets for the second wild card playoff spot.



Hellickson, 29, is 6-7 with a 4.03 ERA in 19 starts this season for the Phillies. The former AL Rookie of the Year has bounced back after three rough seasons with the Rays and Diamondbacks. While an ERA over 4.00 doesn't seem like the kind of number that would warrant trade rumors, Hellickson's SO/9 (7.9) and SO/BB (3.63) are career highs for the righty.

2nd half predictions



Outside of Jose Fernandez and Adam Conley, no other member of the Marlins current rotation owns an ERA at or above league average.



Joe Giglio may be reached at jgiglio@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @JoeGiglioSports. Find NJ.com on Facebook.