I arrived early this morning at around 9 AM to watch as work continued for the HP Campers. After stretching and running the pitchers (in four separate groups at different times) played toss and catch in left field on Ashburn Field - most then went to the side mounds between Carlton and Roberts fields and threw off the mound to a rectangular net target marked with nine different box pockets using their pitching motion for about fifteen or so pitches. It’s always interesting to me to see the different arm angles and release points each pitcher has.
The position players played pitch and catch after their stretching and running body activation in right field on Ashburn. They also did hitting work in the indoor cages housed within the Montgomery Performance Center.
LHP Kevin Warunek threw what appeared to be about twenty five pitches or so in a side bullpen session on the mounds between Ashburn and Schmidt fields - Angel Mata caught him. Kevin has been working with the rehab team to eliminate some elbow discomfort since being drafted in the 18th round last summer from Longwood University and has been making steady progress. The rehab group is very precise and methodically proficient in bringing players back from injury in due time. I chatted with Kevin briefly after today’s session, he said he felt good and is striving towards being cleared to compete in upcoming spring camp - I’d say that’s a likely outcome given how I saw him throw today.
All players concluded their work for the day with individual body awareness/strength training in the Montgomery Center weight room.
Running the Bases :
Outfielder Griffin Burkholder ran the bases under the tutelage of base-running coach Gary Cathcart on Roberts Field. Griffin injured his hamstring in a game with the Clearwater Threshers last summer and has been working his way back with the rehab team since. Per this observers view he looked to be running free and easy today with no issues.
Big League early arrivals :
RHP Jordan Romano threw a morning side bullpen session on the mounds between Ashburn and Schmidt fields to catcher JT Realmuto. Aaron Nola, Rafael Marchan and Matt Strahm were in today continuing their work on strength and conditioning. RHP Seth Johnson threw a side bullpen around noon to minor league catcher Angel Mata.
Big League Camp Invites :
Congratulations to the following 23 players on receiving major league spring training invitations :
Pitchers : Tristan Garnett, Nick Vespi, Nabil Crismatt, Jose Cuas, Joel Kuhnel, Griff McGarry, John McMillon, Nicholas Padilla, Andrew Painter, Austin Schulfer and Guillo Zuniga
Catchers : Josh Breaux, Payton Henry, Paul McIntosh & Caleb Ricketts
Infielders : Rodolfo Castro, Otto Kemp, Rafael Lantigua, Aidan Miller and Carson Taylor
Outfielders : Justin Crawford, Gabriel Rincones Jr & Matt Kroon
Happy Day, Happy Baseball ⚾️

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