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Writer's pictureSteve Potter

2/26/23 : Grapefruit League Game Two


Major League Camp Activities :


There were Live Bullpen sessions in the early morning on Ashburn/Roberts fields ( 8:50 to 9:40 ) - all up/down 2 innings except one - Ranger Suarez, Taijuan Walker, Griff McGarry, Bailey Falter, Matt Strahm ( 1 inning ).


Game Recap :


Phillies 10 Twins 8


Summary :


The Phillies scored single runs in the first and second innings - the Twins plated six in the 5th - key blow a grand slam by Elliot Soto. The Phillies score twice in the bottom of the 5th on a Nick Castellanos home run and six in the sixth keyed by a solo home run by Kody Clemens & a grand slam by Ethan Wilson.  The Twins scored single runs in the 8th & 9th.


Andrew Bellatti, Connor Brogdon, Andrew Vasquez, McKinley Moore, Taylor Lehman & Adam Leverett each pitched scoreless innings - others struggled with control/command.


There were 18 walks total in the game and 22 strikeouts - despite the use of 11 pitchers by the Phillies and 8 pitchers by the Twins the game took 3 hours and 6 minutes to play with the pitch timer in play - would have likely been a four hour marathon otherwise 🤦‍♂️.


Attendance was 7,181 - not all stayed till the end 🤓.


Grapefruit League record is 2-1 - Phillies are at Bradenton tomorrow vs Pirates


At the Plate :


Trea Turner was 2 for 3 with an RBI & run scored.  JT Realmuto had two hits in three AB’s with an RBI.  Nick Castellanos hit a two run opposite field home run and walked in three plate appearances.  Kody Clemens homered to right field in two AB’s.  Ethan Wilson, who’s been swinging perhaps the hottest bat in minor league mini camp, hit a grand slam home run in the 6th inning.


Defensive Gems :


Center Fielder Garrett Whitley ( minor league free agent signed from Brewers ) made a leaping catch on the right center field wall to rob extra bases.


Pitching Notes :


RH Andrew Bellatti - 1 IP, 0 R, 0 H, 1 BB, 2 K’s - 19 pitches - 9 strikes - FB - 93- 95 mph, Slider - 85-87 mph, CH- 89 mph

RH Connor Brogdon - 1 perfect IP - 1 K - 9 pitches - 7 strikes - Cutter - 85-89 mph, FB -93-94, CH - 83 mph

LH Andrew Vasquez - 1 perfect IP - 2 K’s - 21 pitches - 13 strikes - Sinker - 86-89 mph, Curve - 78-80 mph

RH McKinley Moore - 1 IP, 0 R, 1 H, 1 K - 20 pitches - 11 strikes - FB - 95-97 mph, Slider -85-89 mph, CH -  91 mph

LH Brian Marconi - 1/3 IP, 5 R, 2 H, 3 BB, 1 K - 23 pitches - 9 strikes - Sinker -87-89 mph, Slider - 79-81 mph, CH - 79-81 mph, Curve - 74 mph, FB - 87 mph

LH Keylan Killgore - 2/3 IP, 1 R, 1 H, 1 BB - 16 pitches - 6 strikes - Sinker - 91-94 mph, CH - 83-86 mph,  Slider - 84 mph

LH Taylor Lehman - 1 IP, 0 R, 1 H, 1 K - 16 pitches - 10 strikes - FB -92-94 mph, Curve - 79-81 mph, CH - 87-89 mph, Sinker - 94-95 mph, Slider - 84 mph

RH Adam Leverett - 1 IP, 0 R, 1 H, 1 BB, 1 K - 16 pitches - 9 strikes - FB - 93-94 mph,  Slider - 83-84 mph, CH - 85-86 mph, Sinker - 93 mph

LH Tristan Garnett - 2/3 IP, 1 R, 1 H, 2 BB, 2 K’s - 26 pitches - 14 strikes - FB - 91-94 mph, CH -  80-82 mph

RH Braden Zarbnisky - 1/3 IP - retired only batter faced - 5 pitches - 3 strikes - FB - 92-93 mph, Curve - 81 mph, Slider - 81 mph

LH Erubiel Armenta - 1 IP - 1 R, 0 H, 1 BB - 21 pitches - 11 strikes - FB - 91-93 mph,  Sinker - 91-94 mph, CH - 78-80 mph,  Slider - 78 mph



Other Notes :


Some may see Spring Training games as meaningless and drudgery however I look forward to them, especially the latter innings when minor league call ups are substituted into the games.  It’s an opportunity for those players to showcase in front of the major league staff.  Manager Rob Thomson has previous extensive experience in player development when he was with the Yankees therefore likely appreciates seeing the developing players perform more than most who occupy his position.  As an advocate for Phillies Player Development it’s the time of the game that validates what I write about all year watching back field and affiliate action.  No team wins a pennant with just 26 players from the opening day roster - every team relies on it’s system depth to push thru the grind of a season.  So yes, I like watching spring training games - I stay for the whole game every game and am a season ticket holder.  The games aren’t meaningless to me nor to building a system roster nor to the players trying to make an impression nor to their families that support them - just sayin - the major leaguers set the standard - players developed in the minor leagues to support protect the standard - it’s all part of it. 🤓.


Phillies starting pitchers for the next four Grapefruit League games:


Mon @ PIT: Nola

Tue vs. TOR: Wheeler

Wed @ MIN: Painter

Thu @ BOS: Falter


Former Phillies Pheats in Spring Training yesterday


RHP Chris Devenski threw a scoreless inning with 2 K’s for the Angels against the Mariners - RF’er Mickey Moniak went 1 for 3 with a run scored for the Angels in the game.  LHP Erik Miller tossed a scoreless frame for the Giants ( 2 BB, 2 K’s ) against the Cubs.  CF’er Roman Quinn homered in two AB’s for the Guardians against the Reds.  LHP Rob Zastrynzy pitched a scoreless inning ( 1 H, 1 K ) for the Pirates against the Blue Jays.  LHP Austin Davis threw a scoreless inning for the Astros ( 1 BB, 1 K ) against the Mets.


Back at ‘em tomorrow - Happy Day, Happy Baseball ⚾️


Note : I've partnered  with Fanatics on Phillies Merchandise - if you would like to help support my website and articles here's a link to order merchandise - this one will take you to Phillies spring training stuff - I get a small commission on any sales - thanks for the support.




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