Terry Collins sounded inclined to pair Kelly Shoppach with R.A. Dickey on Monday night, since the Philadelphia Phillies are starting a left-hander, Cliff Lee.

But, according to the manager, Shoppach wanted to maximize the knuckleballer's comfort level as he pursues 20 wins. So, upon further review, Collins instead decided to give the fellow righty-hitting Mike Nickeas his first start since the third catcher's September call-up.

"Actually, Kelly is the one who brought it up the other day because I told him he was going to get Lee," Collins said. "He said, 'You know, it's R.A.'s day.' He said, 'Although I might be a little comfortable, he may not be.' He was more concerned about R.A. He brought up a good point."