Minor League Mini-Camp Activities :
Five pitchers ( Tyler Phillips, Jordan Fowler, Estibenzon Jimenez, JP Woodward & Eduar Segovia ) threw afternoon bullpen sessions on the seven mounds area in front of the David Montgomery Training Center while twenty pitchers threw live bullpens on three fields ( Ashburn, Carlton & Roberts ).
Position players were divided into groups for fielding and base running drills and then BP before serving as hitters in the live BP sessions.
New Arrivals :
IF/OF Madison Stokes, LHP Jordan Fowler & LHP Andrew Walling joined the camp activities today.
Minor League Pitchers who threw live bullpens :
Ethan Lindow, Keylan Killgore, Trevor Cobb, Nate Karaffa, Andrew Schultz, Hans Crouse, Spencer Van Scoyoc, Tyler McKay, Noah Skirrow, Jaydenn Estanista, Braden Zarbnisky, Jakob Hernandez, Chase Antle, Taylor Lehman, Matt Seelinger, Erubiel Armenta, Brian Marconi, Jesus Cruz, Adam Leverett & Mike Adams.
My observations :
Estibenzon Jimenez was really sharp in his bullpen session - the 21 year old from Venezuela is one of a group of young hurlers who began their career at the Dominican Academy that in my opinion have developing upper level skill sets - he was on his spots in today’s sessions, has a lively fastball and strong secondaries - he’s another in the pitching stable to watch for this summer.
Three lefties stood out to me in live BP - Taylor Lehman was very sharp with both his fastball and slider, Spencer Van Scoyoc had his curve ball working in his session - a lot of swing and misses and Ethan Lindow’s changeup was diving and had hitters way out in front - a few pop ups and two strikeouts - command was very good today for Ethan.
Anthony Quirion homered in live BP today on Ashburn Field.
Left to right - top to bottom - Pitchers Ethan Lindow, Estibenzon Jimenez, Spencer Van Scoyoc & Taylor Lehman
Major League Camp Activities :
The major league camp ( first official day of full squad work ) reported at 7:00 AM - on field activities began at 7:45 and practice finished at around 12:30. There were six pitchers who threw live bullpen sessions ( four on Ashburn and two on Roberts ). Mick Abel threw an early side bullpen by the Bowa half field. Abel’s session was an up-down simulated two inning stint.
Major League Camp Pitchers who threw live bullpens :
Zack Wheeler, Michael Plassmeyer ( Up-Down session ), Jose Alvarado, Craig Kimbrel, Seranthony Dominguez & Billy Sullivan.
Zack Wheeler pitching to Brandon Marsh - Aramis Garcia catching
Arizona Fall League Champions :
The Phillies Arizona Fall League contingent received their championship rings for being part of the AFL Surprise Saguaros title winning team. Pitchers Cristian Hernandez, Francisco Morales, Taylor Lehman, Brett Schulze and outfielders Johan Rojas, Jhailyn Ortiz & Carlos De La Cruz along with hitting coach Jake Elmore were contributors to the championship effort. Congrats to them all again 👏
Former Phillies News :
Former Phillies minor league RHP Trevor Bettencourt has signed a minor league contract with the Dodgers, Trevor played at Reading & Lehigh Valley last season. Infielder Sal Gozzo has signed with the Ogden Raptors in the independent Pioneer League - LHP Jaylen Smith has signed with the Grand Junction Jackalopes in the same league.
Family Condolences :
I get to meet quite a few really good folks writing about the minor leaguers - one such person was Ron Miller ( Ethan Lindow’s grandfather ). I found out this morning that Ron had passed away yesterday - he was one of the most dedicated grandfathers I’ve seen, was always at the complex during spring training the past few years, often for extended hours in hopes of getting to see Ethan pitch. During the pandemic times when the complex was closed to the public he joined me beyond the left field fences of Roberts Field to watch with our binoculars & that was even with alligators lurking near by in the creek 😳. Ron was a good man and friend who loved his family and extended Phillies family - he became well known amongst the minor league players as he cheered for them all. Our sincere condolences to the Miller family - I’m sure Ron watched Ethan throw today from a skybox in the clouds - rest in peace sir.
Back at ‘em tomorrow - Happy Day, Happy Baseball ⚾️
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