With Braves series ahead, Kapler adjusts lineup

DETROIT -- Phillies manager Gabe Kapler had the Braves on his mind.

The Phillies open a big three-game series against Atlanta on Friday night at Citizens Bank Park. Kapler wanted his players rested and ready, which explained his lineup for Wednesday afternoon’s 4-0 victory over the Tigers at Comerica Park.

Bryce Harper did not start for just the second time this season, giving him four consecutive days off his feet. The Phillies did not play Monday, Harper served as the designated hitter on Tuesday and the Phils do not play again on Thursday. Kapler said it might be Harper’s last time out of the lineup for a while as the team tries to make the postseason for the first time since 2011. Philadelphia entered Wednesday 6 1/2 games behind Atlanta in the National League East and a half-game behind St. Louis for the second NL Wild Card spot.

“This felt like a double win and mainly because we were able to rest Harper,” Kapler said. “That was pretty big for us.”

Rhys Hoskins played at DH on Wednesday, only the second time this season he has not started at first base. Kapler said he wanted Hoskins off his feet for two consecutive days.

Kapler started J.T. Realmuto at first base. Realmuto has started 16 games at first in his career, including eight last season with the Marlins. Realmuto prefers playing in the field to being the DH, which partially explained Kapler’s decision to play him there. Realmuto took ground balls before the game with infield coach Bobby Dickerson.

Realmuto caught 15 innings in a 3-2 victory on Tuesday, so it was important not to have him behind the plate with such a quick turnaround.

Miller to IL

• The Phillies placed utility player Brad Miller on the 10-day injured list with a tight right hip flexor. They activated utility player Sean Rodríguez from the IL to take his place on the 25-man roster.

• Shortstop Jean Segura remains day-to-day with a bruised heel.