3/20/26 : Spring Breakout Game Two roster

The Phillies will play their second Spring Breakout game in Clearwater tomorrow against the Blue Jays - the first was in Fort Myers on 3/19 against the Twins. The roster has been adjusted to substitute for some of those who played in the Fort Myers game. Lots of folks will cover these games and offer intel - here’s my notes on what I’ve seen and heard on each player on tomorrow’s roster so far this spring.

The Phillies gameday roster for tomorrow for was initially posted by MLB’s Todd Zolecki earlier today.

Pitchers (10) :

RH Cody Bowker - 22 years old - drafted in 3rd round of the 2025 draft from Vanderbilt University - side arm low slot delivery - has pitched well in minor league ST games thus far - fastball in the 91-94 mph range - slider and cutter are primary secondaries - personable young man - likely begins the season with Clearwater as part of the starting rotation.

RH Tyler Bowen - 23 years old - drafted in 12th round of the 2025 draft from Lander University, SC - has shown well in all camps since signing - this spring has popped the fastball in the 96-98 mph range with a sharp slider as well. Ball moves really well - is from Delaware - a graduate of Indian River High School. Likely headed to Clearwater to make his first official pro game appearance after camp breaks.

RH Gabe Craig - 24 years old - drafted in 5th round of 2025 draft from the Baylor University - already possesses a big league sweeper in his arsenal - has a short arm release that produces bite and movement - has also been in the mid nineties with his fastball - pitched in a three games with Clearwater last summer - likely returns there to open the 2026 season.

RH Titan Kennedy-Hayes - 24 years old - drafted - 11th round of the 2024 draft from Austin Peay State - features a four seam fastball that sits 95 to 98 mph and often touches 100 mph, a slider, sinker (95-99 mph) and cutter. Has had a very solid spring camp, throwing quality strikes with triple digits velocity. Likely headed to Jersey Shore to start the season.

RH Alex McFarlane - 24 years old - drafted in 4th round of the 2022 draft from University of Miami - big arm now full time reliever destined to begin the season with AA level Reading - fastball reached triple digits and sits upper nineties, splitter and slider as secondaries - was an NRI for first time this spring in big league camp - I asked him what his takeaways from the experience were - “ It was a great overall experience getting to be around the big league guys. Taking it for what it was and competing against the best was a honor. I learned how disciplined the guys are with their routines and watched how they handled failure bouncing back from bad outings. It was an amazing opportunity and it would be great to be back over there again, but sticking to each outing and being better each day is my main focus this season.” Alex was named the Bill Giles Award winner for this year’s spring training camp.

RH Anderson Navas - 19 years old - signed as an international free agent - 1/15/24 - El Tigre, Venezuela - was signed as a catcher and played two seasons in the DSL as a C/1B - converted to pitching this past fall - has a big arm - fastball in the 94-97 mph range with more there as he continues to refine his mechanics - big fella on the hill who puts one in mind of Kenley Jansen who also converted to a pitcher from initially being a catcher. Anderson will likely work on his pitching craft this summer in the Florida Complex League.

LH Cade Obermueller - 22 years old - drafted in 2nd round of the 2025 draft from University of Iowa - side arm lefty with a fastball in the 91-94 moh range - can go higher - have seen him in sides and live BP sessions - slider is an out maker - big horizontal break -  will likely start the season as part of the Clearwater rotation.

RH Brian Walters - 23 years old - drafted in 8th round of the 2025 draft from the University of Miami - upon his arrival to draftee camp last summer Brian turned heads with his velocity and mix - he’s an under the radar hurler at the moment but I suspect that will soon change - has pitched well in his outings in both live BP’s and games - fastball sitting in the 94-97 mph range - is being prepared as a starter - Clearwater will likely be where he begins his pro career as he’s yet to pitch in an official game.

RH Gage Wood - 22 years old - drafted in 1st round of the 2025 draft from University of Arkansas - he’s pitched well this spring, have seen him in side sessions and games - 96-98 mph fastball, put away knuckle curve, hard slider and is working on adding a splitter. Pitches with high intensity, expects to excel - attacks the zone, no fear. Will likely start the season with Clearwater as the head of the starting rotation.

RH Sean Youngerman - 21 years old - drafted in 4th round of the 2025 draft from Oklahoma State - has impressed in all three camps showing a low to mid nineties fastball which can go higher along with a slider and change up. Being developed as a starter - another 2025 draft pick seemingly destined to begin the season with Clearwater.

Catchers (4) :

Anderson Araujo - 17 years old - signed as an international free agent - 1/15/25 - Barquisimeto, VZ - noted for a power bat with double digit home run potential - has shown a strong arm, good instincts and leadership behind the plate - will open the year with the FCL Phillies in just his second year of pro baseball.

Luke Davis - 23 years old - signed as un-drafted free agent - 7/23/24 - Long Beach CC, California - has had a very good Spring Camp carrying over from Mini Camp - was a patient hitter at the dish last season and drew 70 walks posting a .381 on base percentage in 113 plate appearances - this spring he’s been more aggressive and has delivered in scrimmages and games with extra base hits including a long home run on Roberts Field - likely opens the year at Jersey Shore.

Alirio Ferrebus - 20 years old - signed as international free agent 1/15/23 - Maracaibo, Venezuela - played in Australia this off season for the league champion Adelaide Giants - has excellent bat to ball skills, barrels the baseball - big body at 6’2”, athletic frame - solid defensive skills. Is a very talented player on both sides - we’ve watched him throw out runners and show good form as a catcher. Plays first base as well. Seems destined to open the year with the Clearwater Threshers.

Caleb Ricketts - 25 years old - drafted in 7th round of the 2022 draft from the University of San Diego - Caleb has been a good offensive player throughout his four year pro career - injuries have set him back each season ranging from hands,back, groin and hamstrings - he’s got real pop as a left handed hitter, a doubles machine driving balls in the gaps and a clutch performer in high pressure spots. Has made big strides in his pitch receiving and game calling - throwing is an area of continuing development - particularly accuracy to his targets - he’s a big fella at 6’3” and sometimes it takes a bit to uncoil throws - works hard at his craft and improvement has been made. Could open up with Lehigh Valley as part of three man corps else returns to Reading to catch and play first base.

Infielders (6) :

Carson DeMartini - 23 years old - drafted in 4th round of the 2024 draft from Virginia Tech - was selected to play in the 2025 Arizona Fall League but a hand injury sidelined him - now back to full health has played both second and third base in Grapefruit and Minor League ST games with a more concentrated focus as a second baseman. Solid left handed hitter who’s got pop - was slowed by the injury after being promoted to Reading last summer from Jersey Shore - likely opens the year with Reading when camp breaks.

Aroon Escobar - 21 years old - signed as an international free agent - 1/15/22 - Caracas, Venezuela - struggled at the plate this spring in his first NRI selection - has been playing mostly third base since returning to minor league camp - strong stocky build - ball jumps off his bat, quick hands, powerful swing - hits the ball hard, patient hitter who will take his walks, when he hits it can drive the ball out of any park. We first met him a few years back, initially saw him play in person in 2024 on the backfields of the FCL where he performed very well before being sidelined by shin splints. Has all the tools along with the passion and desire to reach the majors as a lineup regular - loves the game and playing it - shines thru - infectious smile - seems in line to open the season with Reading.

Romeli Espinosa - 17 years old - signed as an international free agent - 1/15/25 - Tamayo, Dominican Republic - has been a camp standout this spring showing a great arm and ability to drive the baseball as a hitter. In each of the games I’ve seen him he’s squared up the baseball at least once in the contest. Defensively have seen him at both shortstop and third base. He will be one to watch on the backfields this summer in Florida Complex League play.

Matthew Ferrara - 18 years old - drafted 9th rd - 2025 draft from Toms Rivers East HS, Toms River, NJ - noted for his hard nosed play and toughness - that’s shined thru in spring camp - the kid plays the game the right way - has no fear even against much more experienced competitors - he’s played in Grapefruit League games this spring as well - primarily has played second base in minor league spring games thus far and led off - seems likely to open the year with the Clearwater Threshers however given his age garnering some more experience in extended spring and perhaps the FCL wouldn’t be a bad thing.

Felix Reyes - 24 years old - signed as an international free agent - 2/22/20 - Bani, Dominican Republic - had a great big league camp this year as an NRI - posted a .333/.355/.667 slash line in 17 games (31 plate appearances) with a 1.022 OPS. He hit a double, three home runs and had eleven RBIs, scored five runs, walked once and struck out just once. He also played very well defensively at first base. I get so tired of comments from folks saying he never hit well till last season in Reading when he won the Eastern League batting title and MVP award - Felix has always freaking hit well - since day one when I saw him on the backfields he’s consistently hit rockets. With the ability to adequately play left and right fields along with 1st and 3rd base he’s a big leaguer on the cusp. Will open the year with Lehigh Valley as a lineup regular - probably will surprise a few more folks who to date haven’t noticed 🤓.

Bryan Rincon - 22 years old - there’s never been a doubt about his defensive skills at shortstop - he’s big league ready in that regard. Over the years we’ve watched him play Bryan has always shown occasions of power, especially from the left side (he switch hits). This spring in big league camp he displayed that power with two doubles, a triple and home run. Likely headed to Reading to start the 2026 season, if he can hit close to .250 he’s a strong candidate for the show.

Outfielders (5) :

Dylan Campbell - 23 years old - acquired in trade with Dodgers - 1/17/25 - was the Dodgers round 4C selection in the 2023 draft from the University of Texas - he had an outstanding season in the Arizona Fall League adding first and third base to his defensive repertoire - can play six defensive positions well - 1B,2B,3B,LF,CF,RF - just yesterday I saw him throw a runner out at third base from center field - solid line drive hitter who also has good speed - stole 33 bases last season - likely returns to Reading to open the 2026 season.

Raylin Heredia - 22 years old - signed as an international free agent - 2/2/21 - Santo Domingo, DR - has had an outstanding spring camp after playing for the Adelaide Giants championship team in the Australian Baseball League this off season - is driving the ball with authority producing multiple doubles in minor league spring training games to date - has the tools to continue to advance - in my opinion is ready to open the 2026 season as part of the AA level roster at Reading.

Dante Nori - 21 years old - drafted in 1st round of the 2024 draft from Northville HS, Northville, MI -  is coming off a stellar performance in the WBC for Team Italy where he was named part of the All Tournament team - has the tools to be an impact player in the major leagues and isn’t that far away from getting there - speed,defense, bat to ball, baseball acumen and attitude are all plus levels - the kid can play - I asked him what he learned from his first NRI experience this spring in big league camp - “The time spent up there was a learning experience. Getting to really meet all the coaches as well as the players, how to manage your time. I’ve learned that it’s still a kids game at the highest level. You see vets showing the same enthusiasm as if they were just entering the league. It does make me even more hungry. I truly want to be apart of the group they have and give them everything I got to win a championship.”  He’s likely gonna open with Reading as a lineup regular after camp breaks.

Devin Saltiban - 21 years old - drafted in 3rd round of the 2023 draft from Hilo HS, Hilo, Hawaii - has had a strong spring training camp after playing this off season in the Australian Baseball League for the league champion Adelaide Giants - now converted to being a full time center fielder - very quick bat which has been on display all spring - power is there as well - can drive the baseball - now entering his third pro season the path forward and upward is unleashing the power bat and providing solid defense - likely returns to Jersey Shore to begin 2026 with those objectives in mind.

John Spikerman - 23 years old - drafted in 3rd round of the 2024 draft from the University of Oklahoma - John has had a good ST camp - he’s driven the ball with authority. The young man battled thru injuries last season which limited him to just 62 games of play - now looks healthy and ready to go - has versatility defensively, able to play all three outfield positions well - likely starts the season with the Jersey Shore BlueClaws.

Happy Day, Happy Baseball ⚾️

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