Spring Training Game 29 - Exhibition Season is Rounding Third and Heading Home

Detroit Tigers	2
Philadelphia Phillies	4

2022 Topps
Kansas City Royals #KC-16

Spring Training Game 29

Saturday Afternoon, March 23rd

BayCare Ballpark - Clearwater, FL

Record - 14-13-2

One Sentence Summary:  Bryson Stott hit a two-run, inside-the-park home run and later singled another run home in this 4-2 win over the Tigers.

What It Means:  At this point, the goal is for everyone heading north to remain healthy.  There's just one more game to go, Monday afternoon.

What Happened:  Stott rounded the bases in the fifth after a scary collision involving Tigers' outfielders Max Clark and Justyn-Henry Malloy.  Brandon Marsh accounted for the fourth run of the game, singling home Stott in the seventh.  Aaron Nola pitched five innings in his final spring appearance, allowing a solo home run and striking out four.  Jose Alvarado continued his dominant spring, striking out the side in the seventh.

Featured Card:  Following the game, the Phillies announced they had claimed Carlos Hernandez off waivers from the Royals and Hernandez is expected to join the team's bullpen for opening day.  In five seasons with the Royals, Hernandez was 7-19 with a 4.95 ERA in 150 games and 256 1/3 innings pitched.  He had 226 strikeouts, 125 walks and four saves.  As is the case with most middle relievers, Hernandez's baseball card appearances are sparse, and his most recent non-minor league card can be found in the 2022 Topps Royals retail team set.

Camp Head Count:  31 - 2 + 1 = 30

Before the game, Michael Mercado (rhp) was optioned to Lehigh Valley.  After the game, Tyler Phillips (rhp) was designated for assignment to make room for Hernandez (rhp), claimed off waivers.  It was also announced that Ranger Suarez (lhp) would begin the season on the injured list, and that Matt Strahm (lhp) would not.

Spring Training Game 28 - Prospects Mount Incredible Comeback

Philadelphia Phillies	8
New York Yankees	7

2024 Choice Reading Fightin
Phils (2nd Edition) #5

Spring Training Game 28

Saturday Afternoon, March 22nd

George M. Steinbrenner Field - Tampa, FL

Record - 13-13-2

One Sentence Summary:  Trailing 7-0 in the top of the ninth inning, the Phillies sent 12 batters to the plate in this impressive come from behind victory over the Yankees.

What It Means:  Both teams had mostly prospects playing at the end of the game, but this was still an exciting win.

What Happened:  Down to their final at-bat, and getting shutout through eight innings by five Yankees pitchers, the Phillies plated eight runs on seven hits and one very big, three-run home run from Robert Moore.  Singles from Avery Owusu-Asiedu, Kody Clemens and Josh Breaux loaded the bases and Elio Prado walked to drive home the first run.  A Luis Verdugo double brought home two more runs and Felix Reyes reached on an error by third baseman Jorbit Vivas, scoring the fourth run of the inning.  Marcus Lee Sang made it a 7-5 game with an RBI double.  Moore then launched a home run to right, scoring Reyes and Sang and giving the Phillies an 8-7 lead.  I enjoyed listening to Scott Franzke call this inning on the radio.

Featured Card:  Moore came to the Phillies last year after spending two seasons in the Brewers' system.  He appeared in all three Reading team sets in 2024.

Camp Head Count:  37 - 6 = 31

As we inch closer to opening day, the Phillies continue to whittle down their line-up, with five more roster moves still needed to get down to 26.  Before this game, Cal Stevenson (of) and Kyle Tyler (rhp) were optioned to Triple-A Lehigh Valley.  Christian Arroyo (inf), Josh Breaux (c), Nabil Crismatt (rhp) and Oscar Mercado (of) were all reassigned to minor league camp.  The final bench spot will go to either Kody Clemens or Buddy Kennedy.  Weston Wilson will start the season on the Injured List, and Tyler Phillips and Michael Mercado are likely only sticking around in case Matt Strahm and Ranger Suarez also start the season on the shelf.

Spring Training Games 26 & 27 - End of Exhibition Season in Sight

Minnesota Twins	3
Philadelphia Phillies	6

Spring Training Game 26

Friday Afternoon, March 21st

BayCare Ballpark - Clearwater, FL

Philadelphia Phillies	7
Toronto Blue Jays	11

2024 Choice Scranton/
Wilkes-Barre RailRiders #12

Spring Training Game 27

Friday Afternoon, March 21st

TD Ballpark - Dunedin, FL

Record - 12-13-2

One Sentence Summary:  The Phillies split their squad for the second and final time this spring, winning at home but losing on the road.

What It Means:  There are just three more spring training games to go before the 2025 regular season begins for the Phillies on Thursday afternoon in Washington.

What Happened:  In Clearwater, Zack Wheeler got in his final tune-up, throwing five strong innings and allowing a run on three hits.  Wheeler struck out four.  The Phillies came from behind to win this game, scoring twice in the seventh inning to tie it up and four more times in the eighth inning to take the lead for good.  Josh Breaux doubled home Oscar Mercado to start the scoring in the seventh, and Alec Bohm then singled Breaux home.  Edmundo Sosa hit a two-run home run in the eighth, and Breaux came through again with a two-run single a few batters later.

In Dunedin, Joe Ross started the game with two scoreless innings, but then Jose Ruiz surrendered four runs in the third.  Nick Vespi was also hit hard, giving up three more runs in the fifth.  Kyle Schwarber, Payton Henry and Erick Brito all homered for the Phillies.

Featured Card:  Catchers tend to stick around the major league side of the spring camp longer than other position players, which is why Breaux and Henry are still around.  My guess is one of them ends up backing up Garrett Stubbs in Lehigh Valley.

Camp Head Count:  39 - 2 = 37

I need to adjust my count as I missed that the Phillies had reassigned Rafael Lantigua (inf) and Henry (c) to minor league camp back on March 16th.  I've migrated away from X, the platform formerly known as Twitter, and it's become harder to keep up with these minor happenings on Bluesky.

Spring Training Game 25 - Phils Lose Vibe Captain, Game

Philadelphia Phillies	0
Atlanta Braves	7

2023 Topps Update #US137

Spring Training Game 25

Thursday Afternoon, March 20th

CoolToday Park - North Port, FL

Record - 11-12-2

One Sentence Summary:  A seemingly lifeless Phillies team lost on the road to the Braves, managing just four hits in this 7-0 loss.

What It Means:  It was kind of an appropriate outcome, given the Phillies sent down their Vibe Captain, Garrett Stubbs, to the minor leagues before this game.  Stubbs has been the back-up catcher since 2022, and while he's been great defensively, he batted .204 in 2023 and .207 last season.  Rafael Marchan won the back-up catcher role, and after nine years in the Phillies' organization he'll make his first opening day roster.

What Happened:  It was a bullpen game for the Phillies, with non-roster invitee Nabil Crismatt getting the start and lasting three innings.  Crismatt gave up a run on three hits.  Kyle Tyler took the brunt of the punishment from the Braves, giving up five runs on four hits in 1 2/3 innings.  Johan Rojas and Cal Stevenson had doubles in the losing effort, and the overall the Phillies offense went 0 for 8 with runners in scoring position.

Also a bullpen game for the Braves, non-roster invitee and Phillies Room favorite Hector Neris got the start and pitched a scoreless inning.

Featured Card:  If this is the end of Stubbs' time on the big league roster, I can definitely see him transitioning into a coaching role, or even a broadcasting role.  For now, he'll head to Lehigh Valley where he'll work firsthand with some of the Phillies' top pitching prospects.

Camp Head Count:  40 - 1 = 39

Stubbs (c) was optioned to the Lehigh Valley IronPigs.

Spring Training Game 24 - Walker Struggles in Loss to Yankees

New York Yankees	9
Philadelphia Phillies	7

2024 Topps Update
All-Star Game #ASG-30

Spring Training Game 24

Wednesday Afternoon, March 19

BayCare Ballpark - Clearwater, FL

Record - 11-11-2

One Sentence Summary:  The Phillies' comeback fell short against the Yankees, as they lost 9-7 in Clearwater.

What It Means:  The news of the day was that Ranger Suarez is dealing with a back ailment that could lead to him missing the start of the season.  With Suarez potentially out, Taijuan Walker could have found his way back in.  Unfortunately for Walker, who had looked decent in his prior three spring appearances, he got hit hard by the Yankees in this game.

What Happened:  Walker threw 83 pitches in 3 2/3 innings, allowing six runs on nine hits, including three home runs.  He walked a pair and struck out one.  I would think any experiment with Walker in the starting pitching rotation to start the season would be short-lived if he puts up those types of numbers in a real game.  Brandon Marsh went 2 for 2 with a two-run home run in the seventh.

Featured Card:  Here's hoping Suarez and his back get well soon.

Camp Head Count:  41 - 1 = 40

Prior to the game, Devin Sweet (rhp) was optioned to the IronPigs.

Spring Training Game 23 - Phils Lose, but Sanchez, Casty Look Strong

Philadelphia Phillies	2
Pittsburgh Pirates	3

2022 Topps Heritage 1973 Topps
Candy Lids #HN12

Spring Training Game 23

Tuesday Afternoon, March 18

LECOM Park - Bradenton, FL

Record - 11-10-2

One Sentence Summary:  Nick Castellanos hit a home run and Crisotpher Sanchez pitched five scoreless innings, but the Phillies' bullpen faltered late in this 3-2 loss to the Pirates.

What It Means:  This game had a typical spring road game line-up, and definitely not the usual back-end of the bullpen relievers closing it out.

What Happened:  Spring training statistics mean nothing, but Castellanos has to feel good after his two hit day, which raised his spring average to .167.  He hit a solo home run in the first and added an RBI-single int he sixth to score Carson DeMartini.  Sanchez allowed four hits and struck out a pair in his outing, with Jose Alvarado and Orion Kerkering shutting down the Pirates for 2 1/3 innings.  Kerkering struck out three.  The bullpen duo of Devin Sweet and Josh Hejka gave up the 2-0 lead in the ninth.  Sweet  gave up a single, double and two straight sacrifice flies to allow the Pirates to tie the game.  Hejka then allowed a walk-off home run to Javier Rivas to give the Pirates the win.

Featured Card:  Here's an oddball insert card of Castellanos I recently added, from the 2022 Topps Heritage set.  I'm hoping for big things from the slugger this season.

Camp Head Count:  41

Spring Training Game 22 - Phils Slip by Jays on St. Patty's Day

Toronto Blue Jays	2
Philadelphia Phillies	4

2003 Topps Retired
Signature Edition #109

Spring Training Game 22

Monday Afternoon, March 17

BayCare Ballpark - Clearwater, FL

Record - 11-9-2

One Sentence Summary:  Decked in green hats for St. Patrick's Day, the Phillies took care of the Blue Jays in Clearwater, winning 4-2.

What It Means:  It doesn't really mean anything, but the Phillies have won seven of their last nine games.

What Happened:  In one of his final tune-ups before the regular season, Aaron Nola gave up a pair of home runs and struck out five in 4 2/3 innings.  In the fourth, Trea Turner singled, stole second and came around to score on a J.T. Realmuto double.  The Phillies tied the game in the seventh on an RBI-single from Dylan Campbell, scoring Edmundo Sosa, and took the lead on a wild pitch that allowed Buddy Kennedy to score.  Prospect Keaton Anthony made it 4-2, Phillies, with a solo home run in the eighth.

Featured Card:  Here's a card I recently added of my favorite Phillies leprechaun.

Camp Head Count:  41

Spring Training Game 21 - Phils Offense, Luzardo Looking Good

Philadelphia Phillies	12
Baltimore Orioles	1

2024 Philadelphia Phillies Photocards

Spring Training Game 21

Sunday Afternoon, March 16

Ed Smith Stadium - Sarasota, FL

Record - 10-9-2

One Sentence Summary:  The Phillies offense unloaded on Orioles' starting pitcher Zach Eflin and a few other relievers in this 12-1 drubbing in Sarasota.

What It Means:  Hopefully these high-scoring games from the Phillies carry over into games that mean something.

What Happened:  Jesus Luzardo started for the Phillies, and allowed a solo home run while striking out six in four innings.  Four Phillies relievers kept the Orioles off the board, with Michael Mercado pitching the final two shutout innings.  Edmundo Sosa gave the the Phillies a 4-1 lead in the third with a bases-clearing double.  Kody Clemens made it 6-1 a few batters later with a two-run double.  Prospects Felix Reyes and Bryan Rincon added RBI doubles of their own in the eighth, running the score up to 10-1.  Topping the scoring, still in the eighth, was Robert Moore with a two-run single.  Johan Rojas, who has been the club's regular DH for most of the spring for some reason, went 3 for 4, raising his average to .303.

Featured Card:  Max Kepler and Brandon Marsh both departed this game banged up after plays in the outfield.  Kepler has the left field spot locked down, but this is a big season for Marsh, who looks to rebound after a tough year at the plate in 2024.

Camp Head Count:  41

Spring Training Game 20 - Wheeler/Phils vs. Skubal/Tigers Ends in Tie

Detroit Tigers	2
Philadelphia Phillies	2

1988 Topps #254

Spring Training Game 20

Saturday Afternoon, March 15

BayCare Ballpark - Clearwater, FL

Record - 9-9-2

One Sentence Summary:  Fans were treated to a pitcher's duel from two of the best in the game, as Zack Wheeler and Tarik Skubal faced off and the Phillies and Tigers played to a tie.

What It Means:  There are just ten more spring training games remaining on the schedule.

What Happened:  Wheeler got touched for two unearned runs, three hits in a walk, while striking out three in a solid five inning performance.  The bullpen quartet of Jose Alvarado, Jordan Romano, Orion Kerkering and Devin Sweet shut down the Tigers over the final four frames, striking out a combined eight batters.

The Phillies scored their runs on an RBI single from Bryce Harper in the third, and a sacrifice fly from Trea Turner in the fifth.  Harper, now hitting .407 for the spring, and Brandon Marsh both had multi-hit days.

Featured Card:  From a post from Scott Lauber on Bluesky, the Phillies honored former manager Lee Elia before this game.  The baseball lifer worked in the Phillies' minor league system for years, and is best known in the organization for his roles as a coach (1980-81, 1985-87) and manager (1987-88).  Lauber said among the guests in attendance for the ceremony were Pat Gillick and Lou Piniella.

Camp Head Count:  48 - 7 = 41

In the biggest roster purge so far this spring, seven players were assigned to minor league camp.  The only one here who surprises me a little is Rodolfo Castro, who had been playing multiple positions throughout the spring as the team looks to replace the injured Weston Wilson on the roster.  Those reassigned were:  Koyo Aoyagi (rhp), Jose Cuas (rhp), Joel Kuhnel (rhp), John McMillon (rhp), Guillo Zuniga (rhp), Nick Vespi (lhp) and Castro (inf).

Spring Training Game 19 & Spring Breakout Game

Philadelphia Phillies	5
New York Yankees	6

2024 Choice Reading Fightin
Phils Top 10 #3

Spring Training Game 19

Friday Night, March 14

George M. Steinbrenner Field - Tampa, FL

Record - 9-9-1

One Sentence Summary:  In the only night game of the spring for the Phillies, a late rally fell short as Guillo Zuniga couldn't convert the save opportunity, allowing the Yankees to post a 6-5 walk-off win.

What It Means:  I was enjoying an evening of sorting baseball cards and listening to his game on the radio when we lost electricity for about an hour.  When the power went out, the Phillies were mounting a comeback and when it came back on, the game was over and they had lost.

What Happened:  Trailing 2-1 heading to the seventh inning, Christian Arroyo singled with one out and Cal Stevenson hit his first home run of the spring to give the Phillies a 3-2 lead.  Stevenson had made an incredible throw from right field in the second inning to gun down Trent Grisham trying to stretch a double.  Also flashing the leather in this game was first baseman Kyle Schwarber, looking better than expected at his relatively new position.

The Phillies scored two more runs in the eighth on an RBI single from Garrett Stubbs, combined with a costly error from right fielder Jackson Castillo.  But Zuniga couldn't hold off the Yankees in the ninth, giving up a walk and a home run to tie the game, and eventually a walk-off single to Brendan Jones to win the game.

Pittsburgh Pirates Prospects	3
Philadelphia Phillies Prospects	5

Spring Breakout Game

Friday Afternoon, March 14

BayCare Ballpark - Clearwater, FL

Featured Card:  In the afternoon, the Phillies and Pirates sent their top prospects to play in the second annual Spring Breakout Game.  I enjoyed watching the game in the background on Friday during my work day, and Cole Hamels, a new addition to the broadcast booth, was actually enjoyable to listen to?  Justin Crawford led off and had a pair of hits, including a triple.  Carson DeMartini, who I don't know much about, had an impressive home run in the seventh inning.

Camp Head Count:  48

Spring Training Game 18 - Phils' Bats Continue to Mash

Atlanta Braves	9
Philadelphia Phillies	16

2008 Upper Deck
StarQuest Common #SQ-48

Spring Training Game 18

Thursday Afternoon, March 13

BayCare Ballpark - Clearwater, FL

Record - 9-8-1

One Sentence Summary:  Trea Turner, Kyle Schwarber and Max Kepler combined for ten RBIs as the Phillies feasted on Braves' pitching in this 16-9 win.

What It Means:  In their last four games, the Phillies offense has scored a combined 50 runs.

What Happened:  Turner, Schwarber, Bryson Stott and Kepler all homered in this game, with Schwarber's blast a three-run home run that gave the Phillies an 8-1 lead in the second inning.  Tuner's home run, his first of the spring, led off the bottom of the first inning.  After Turner's opening salvo, Bryce Harper walked, Alec Bohm doubled, and J.T. Realmuto tripled them both home.  Stott's home run in the fifth came off old friend Enyel De Los Santos.

Cristopher Sanchez got the start and the win, allowing a run on three hits while striking out five over four innings.  Non-roster relivers Jose Cuas and Koyo Aoyagi didn't help their chances of making the opening day roster, allowing a combined six runs in an inning of work.

Featured Card:  The Phillies announced Jimmy Rollins would be their 2025 Wall of Fame inductee, and I recently added this card to my collection after choosing to have a bunch of recent purchases shipped from COMC.com.  Joining Rollins, and also being honored is former GM Ed Wade, and the Phillies have apparently added an "Executive" Wall of Fame branch?

Camp Head Count:  48

Spring Training Game 17 - Offense Rips Sox

Philadelphia Phillies	18
Boston Red Sox	8

2024 Choice Reading Fightin
Phils Top 10 #4

Spring Training Game 17

Tuesday Afternoon, March 11

JetBlue Park - Fort Myers, FL

Record - 8-8-1

One Sentence Summary:  A line-up of non-veteran starters with some reserves and Triple-A depth clubbed 13 hits and scored 18 runs against the Red sox in this 18-8 romp.

What It Means:  The Phillies concluded their mini road trip to Fort Myers going 2-0 against the Twins and Red Sox, and with signs of life from the offense.

What Happened:  The hits were equally dispersed throughout the line-up with Bryson Stott and Johan Rojas having multi-hit games.  The big hits came from Buddy Kennedy and Otto Kemp.  Kennedy, who has played all over the diamond this spring, hit a two-run home in the second.  Kemp added a two-run triple in the sixth.  Catcher Josh Breaux hit a monster solo home run to left in the ninth.

Pitching prospect Mick Abel got the start and didn't fare well.  He allowed four runs (three earned) on four hits in 1 2/3 innings.

Featured Card:  Better things will come for Abel, but for now he'll start his season with the IronPigs.

Camp Head Count:  53 - 5 = 48

Abel (rhp) was optioned to Triple-A following the game.  Paul McIntosh (c), Kemp (inf), Matt Kroon (of) and Gabriel Rincones, Jr. (of) were all reassigned to minor league camp.

Spring Training Game 16 - Small Ball, Pitching Depth Wins Over Twins

Philadelphia Phillies	4
Minnesota Twins	1

2023 Topps Heritage #495

Spring Training Game 16

Monday Afternoon, March 10

Lee Health Sports Complex - Fort Myers, FL

Record - 7-8-1

One Sentence Summary:  The Phillies used singles and seven pitchers likely slated for Lehigh Valley in this 4-1 win over the Twins.

What It Means:  After nearly an hour rain delay, the Phillies kicked off their second to last full week of spring training games before opening day on March 27th.

What Happened:  All the Phillies' runs came in the fourth inning, with two outs, without an extra-base hit.  Alec Bohm and Rodolfo Castro reached on singles, with a Cal Stevenson single scoring Bohm.  Rafael Lantigua followed with a two-run single to score Bohm and Stevenson.  Lantigua stole second and came home on an RBI single from Bryson Stott.  Stevenson and Kody Clemens both had multi-hit days.

It was a good day for the team's pitching depth to get in some work.  Seven Phillies pitchers held the Twins to one run, despite allowing eight hits and walking six.  Seth Johnson got the start and the win after two scoreless innings.

Featured Card:  I've not featured any cards of non-roster invitee Nicholas Padilla yet, and his one mainstream cardboard appearance can be found in the 2023 Topps Heritage set.  Padilla got out of a bases loaded jam in the fifth with a double play ball.

Camp Head Count:  56 - 3 = 53

Johnson (rhp) and Alan Rangel (rhp) were optioned to Lehigh Valley and Padilla (rhp) was reassigned to minor league camp.  All three pitchers, in order, pitched in this game.

Spring Training Game 15 - Bats Punish O's Pitching in Clearwater

Baltimore Orioles	2
Philadelphia Phillies	12

2024 Topps Philadelphia
Phillies #PHI-17

Spring Training Game 15

Sunday Afternoon, March 9

BayCare Ballpark - Clearwater, FL

Record - 6-8-1

One Sentence Summary:  The Phillies offense showed some pop in this 12-2 win over the Orioles in Clearwater.

What It Means:  Two weeks into spring training games being played, and I'm already looking forward to opening weekend at the end of the month.

What Happened:  The Phillies had home runs from Edmundo Sosa and prospect Aroon Escobar, who was being gushed over by the Phillies' TV broadcast team.  Escobar is 20 years old, doesn't yet have a photo on the MLB website and made a few fancy defensive plays at second base.  Bryce Harper added a two-run single in the third and three more Phillies runs scored in the sixth on an error and a pair of wild pitches.  Escobar's two-run home run in the seventh gave the Phillies an 8-2 lead.  They'd pile on four more runs in the eighth, capped by a two-run double from Garrett Stubbs.

Ranger Suarez got his first start of the spring, allowing a run in three innings of work.  Jose Alvarado continued to look fantastic, striking out a pair in a scoreless sixth inning.

Featured Card:  Escobar has yet to appear on any baseball cards, but I'm sure that will change soon.  In lieu of an Escobar card, here's Sosa's card from last year's Topps retail team set.

Camp Head Count:  57 - 1 = 56

Before the game, Austin Schulfer (rhp) was reassigned to minor league camp.

Spring Training Game 14 - Walker Impresses, Bohm Homers in Win

Toronto Blue Jays	4
Philadelphia Phillies	5

2024 Philadelphia Phillies
Kids Club

Spring Training Game 14

Saturday Afternoon, March 8

BayCare Ballpark - Clearwater, FL

Record - 5-8-1

One Sentence Summary:  Taijuan Walker looked solid in his start and Alec Bohm doubled and homered in this 5-4 win over the Blue Jays.

What It Means:  With clocks springing ahead this morning, and a spring-like vibe in the air right now, we're getting closer to meaningful baseball games.

What Happened:  Walker, seemingly a pitcher without a spot on the roster, pitched 3 1/3 innings, allowing a solo home run, four hits overall and striking out three.  Nabil Crasmitt gave up a pair of Blue Jays runs before getting the final out of the game and recording a save.

The Phillies scored all their runs early.  Alec Bohm led off the second with a ground-rule double to deep center, followed by a single from Max Kepler.  Three straight RBI singles followed from J.T. Realmuto, Bryson Stott and Kyle Schwarber to give the Phillies a 3-0 lead.  Bohm led off the third with a solo home run, his third of the spring.  Brandon Marsh singled later in the inning to score Max Kepler, who had reached on a walk, giving the Phillies a 5-0 lead.

Featured Card:  Walker really didn't give me many opportunities to feature any of his cards last season.  Here's his card from the ballpark-exclusive Kids Club set, and I hope the Phillies produce these cards again in 2025.

Camp Head Count:  61 - 4 = 57

Prior to the game, Jean Cabrera (rhp) and Moises Chace (rhp) were optioned to Reading and Griff McGarry (rhp) was reassigned to minor league camp.  Following the game, Max Lazar (rhp) was optioned to Lehigh Valley.

Spring Training Game 13 - Pirates Sink Phils in Bradenton

Philadelphia Phillies	2
Pittsburgh Pirates	3

2025 Topps #293

Spring Training Game 13

Friday Afternoon, March 7

LECOM Park - Bradenton, FL

Record - 4-8-1

One Sentence Summary:  Cristopher Sanchez looked good again, but Tyler Phillips struggled and the sluggish offense couldn't find any clutch hits in this 3-2 loss to the Pirates.

What It Means:  Missed this game entirely due to professional responsibilities, also known as work.

What Happened:  Sanchez struck out four and allowed a run on a pair of hits in his three innings.  Phillips dropped to 0-3 on the spring, which is tough to do given the Phillies have lost only eight games.  He gave up a pair of runs on two hits and three walks, raising his spring ERA to 10.13.

The offense was 0 for 7 with runners in scoring position.  Otto Kemp doubled home the game's first run in the second, scoring Garrett Stubbs who had walked.  Stubbs would double in the fourth.  Kody Clemens hit a solo home run in the sixth inning.

Featured Card:  Phillips has no minor league options remaining, so the Phillies either need to add him to their opening day roster or hope he passes through waivers unclaimed.  This is his rookie card from the 2025 Topps Series One flagship release.  I've said it before, but scans don't do this design justice.

Camp Head Count:  61

Spring Training Game 12 - Nola Sharp Against Rays

Tampa Bay Rays	5
Philadelphia Phillies	4

2024 Stadium Club #295

Spring Training Game 12

Thursday Afternoon, March 6

BayCare Ballpark - Clearwater, FL

Record - 4-7-1

One Sentence Summary:  Aaron Nola fed the Rays a steady diet of curve balls, pitching three shutout innings and striking out six, but the Phils coughed up the lead in the ninth, losing 5-4.

What It Means:  Honestly, I had stopped paying attention to this game with the Phillies up, 3-0, heading to the eighth inning so to see the final score was a little surprising.

What Happened:  Nola hasn't allowed a run in his two starts, striking out eight over five innings.  Jose Alvarado struck out the side in the fourth.  The bullpen trio of Joe Ross, Jordan Romano and Orion Kerkering followed, each pitching a shutout inning.  Joel Kuhnel ran into trouble in the ninth, and wasn't helped by a fielding error from shortstop Bryan Rincon.  Kuhnel gave up four unearned runs on a two-run home run, a single, a pair of walks and a wild pitch.

Nick Castellanos and Max Kepler hit back-to-back home runs for the Phillies in the fourth.

Featured Card:  I'm hoping for nothing but smiles for Nola in 2025, and he looks so much better now with shorter hair.

Camp Head Count:  61

Spring Training Game 11 - Phils Working on Some Stuff

Philadelphia Phillies	7
Detroit Tigers	17

1982 Donruss #459

Spring Training Game 11

Wednesday Afternoon, March 5

Joker Marchant Stadium - Lakeland, FL

Record - 4-6-1

One Sentence Summary:  Yikes.

What It Means:  And I thought the 12-3 loss to the Yankees on Tuesday was bad!

What Happened:  Toiling away at my chosen profession on Wednesday afternoon, I couldn't help but notice the many, many alerts coming through my phone for the Phillies-Tigers game.  Turns out none of them were good.  After an 82-minute rain delay, Jesus Luzardo was creamed in his outing, allowing three home runs and departing with the Tigers up by a score of 6-0.  Six more Tigers runs scored in the third, courtesy of many walks and hits surrendered by Matt Strahm and Andrew Bechtold.  A lot more hits, including a pair of home runs from Tomas Nido, gave the Tigers 17 runs on the day.

Buddy Kennedy had a double and a sixth inning home run for the Phillies.  Christian Arroyo and Johan Rojas also homered.

Featured Card:  What the heck, here's a card of probably my favorite former Tigers and Phillies player, Johnny Wockenfuss.

Camp Head Count:  61

Spring Training Game 10 - Yanks Mash Phils

New York Yankees	12
Philadelphia Phillies	3

2020 Topps Heritage #654

Spring Training Game 10

Tuesday Afternoon, March 4

BayCare Ballpark - Clearwater, FL

Record - 4-5-1

One Sentence Summary:  Not much good happened for the Phillies in this 12-3 spring loss to the Yankees in Clearwater.

What It Means:  Ten games into the spring schedule, and this is the first game for which I had absolutely no idea what was happening until it was over.  It looks as if I didn't miss much.

What Happened:  Zack Wheeler was likely "working on some stuff" as he was hit early and often in his two-inning outing.  His final line - six runs (five earned) on eight hits and a pair of strikeouts.  Cody Stashak relieved Wheeler and was greeted rudely, allowing a three-run home run to Spencer Jones and a two-run home run to Paul Goldschmidt.  The Yankees scored seven runs in the third inning, and only two of those runs were earned as a result of costly errors from Cal Stevenson and Trea Turner.

Max Kepler hit his first home run of the spring in the second inning.

Featured Card:  Stashak is in camp with the minor league squad, and I was surprised to see he had pitched in parts of four seasons with the Twins between 2019 and 2022.  He showed up in a few Topps releases in 2020, and this is his card from the 2020 Topps Heritage set.

Camp Head Count:  66 - 5 = 61

The first five reassignments came prior to this game, with the following minor leaguers reassigned to minor league camp:  Justin Crawford (of), Tristan Garnett (lhp), Aidan Miller (inf), Carson Taylor (inf) and Caleb Ricketts (c).  

Spring Training Games 8 & 9 - Phils Split Squad, Split Day with Orioles and Jays

Baltimore Orioles	4
Philadelphia Phillies	5

Spring Training Game 8

Sunday Afternoon, March 2

BayCare Ballpark - Clearwater, FL

Philadelphia Phillies	4
Toronto Blue Jays	5

Spring Training Game 9

Sunday Afternoon, March 2

TD Ballpark - Dunedin, FL

Record - 4-4-1

2024 Topps Chrome Update
All Star Game #ASGC-13

One Sentence Summary:  The Phillies walked it off in Clearwater and lost in Dunedin, in the first split squad action of the spring.

What It Means:  I honestly didn't realize it was a split squad day until I got an alert that Kody Clemens had hit a home run against the Blue Jays while I was very clearly watching the Phillies play the Orioles on TV.

What Happened:  In Dunedin, Taijuan Walker got the start and allowed a run (Daulton Varsho home run) and two hits in his first two innings of the spring.  Orion Kerkering got tagged with a blown save and Griff McGarry took the loss, with the two releivers allowing three Blue Jay runs in their combined 1 2/3 innings.  Clemens hit his first home run of the spring in the second, and Gabriel Rincones, Jr. connected for his third home run in the fifth.  In the sixth, Rafael Marchan doubled home Bryson Stott.

In Clearwater, Cristopher Sanchez departed after 2 2/3 innings and the bases loaded.  Up until that point, he had allowed a pair of hits and walked a batter while striking out five.  Gabe Mosser relieved Sanchez in the third and wasn't able to save Sanchez's line, giving up a two-run single.  A sloppy seventh inning, with errors committed by Bryan Rincon, Matt Kroon and Paul McIntosh, gave the Orioles a 4-3 lead.  In the bottom of the ninth, with two outs, Payton Henry walked, Rincon singled and McIntosh was hit by a pitch to load the bases.  Kroon singled home two runs to give the Phillies the walk-off win.

Oscar Mercado hit a solo home run in the fifth, and Alec Bohm homered twice.

Featured Card:  Kroon had the big hit, but a two-home run day from Bohm deserves Featured Card status.  I just wish the slugging third baseman would think about a haircut.

Camp Head Count:  66

Spring Training Game 7 - Nola Sharp, Bats Missing in Lakeland

Philadelphia Phillies	0
Detroit Tigers	1

2023 Choice Arkansas
Travelers #4

Spring Training Game 7

Saturday Afternoon, March 1

Joker Marchant Stadium - Lakeland, FL

Record - 3-3-1

One Sentence Summary:  With all the regulars staying behind in Clearwater, a team of Phillies reserves and job seekers managed one single against Tigers' pitching in this 1-0 defeat.

What It Means:  At least the game was on the radio with Scott Franzke and Kevin Stocker broadcasting.

What Happened:  Aaron Nola continued a string of strong spring debuts from the Phillies' starting pitching staff, allowing a hit and striking out a pair in his two innings of work.  Tyler Phillips allowed the lone run of the game to score in the third inning.  Kyle Tyler pitched two scoreless innings in relief, striking out two.  Johan Rojas, the team's DH for this game, broke up the Tigers' no-hitter with a single with one out in the top of the sixth.

Featured Card:  Tyler has pitched in 15 big league games over three different seasons with the Angels, Padres and Marlins.  The righty was selected off waivers by the Phillies from the Marlins last August 11th, and was shaky in seven starts with the IronPigs the rest of the season - 1-2 with a 6.09 ERA.  Per the TCDB, he's got five minor league baseball cards to his name with nary an appearance yet in a mainstream release.

Camp Head Count:  66

Spring Training Game 6 - Luzardo Dazzles in Spring Debut

Boston Red Sox	5
Philadelphia Phillies	7

2021 Topps Heritage #160

Spring Training Game 6

Friday Afternoon, February 28

BayCare Ballpark - Clearwater, FL

Record - 3-2-1

One Sentence Summary:  The Phillies won, but the exciting take-away from this game was how dominant starter Jesus Luzardo looked in his two innings of work.

What It Means:  The sun was out for most of the afternoon, the weather is warming up, and I got to work with a Phillies game on in the background.  Not a bad day.

What Happened:  Luzardo made it look easy, throwing two perfect innings and striking out a pair.  14 of his 19 pitches thrown were strikes.  The other pitching highlight came courtesy of Jean Cabrera, who also threw two scoreless innings, striking out three.  The other eight Phillies pitchers used by manager Rob Thomson allowed a combined 13 walks, which isn't great.  Michael Mercado and Aaron Schulfer led the way with three walks each.

Bryce Harper went 2 for 3 in his return to the line-up.  Matt Kroon, Carson DeMartini and Carson Taylor all homered in the win.

Featured Card:  DeMartini's blast was particularly impression as it nearly cleared the center field berm, and the young prospect took a moment or two to enjoy his blast before heading to first.  He's in last year's Bowman Draft set, and I've not added any of his cards to my collection yet.  I was going to feature a DeMartini card, if I had had one, but instead Luzardo gets the nod for his impressive debut in red pinstripes.

Camp Head Count:  66

Spring Training Game 5 - Wheeler Deals in First Spring Start

New York Yankees	7
Philadelphia Phillies	7

2022 Topps #582

Spring Training Game 5

Thursday Afternoon, February 27

BayCare Ballpark - Clearwater, FL

Record - 2-2-1

One Sentence Summary:  Zack Wheeler looked solid in his first spring start, and Kyle Schwarber made his Phillies debut at first base as the team played to a 7-7 tie against the Yankees in Clearwater.

What It Means:  Schwarber played 10 games at first base in 2021 for the Red Sox, and his only other action at the position came in one game for the Cubs in 2017.  The added versatility can't hurt, and if Schwarber is serviceable at first, that gives Bryce Harper the opportunity to DH in some games.

What Happened:  Wheeler allowed a hit and struck out four in his two shutout innings.  Jose Alvarado and Jordan Romano both looked great out of the bullpen, each striking out a pair in their innings of work.  The Phillies held a 6-3 tie heading to the eighth, but the Yankees scored four times off reliever Max Lazar.    In the bottom of the ninth, Oscar Mercado was hit by a pitch with two outs, stole second and eventually scored after Yankees' pitcher Cade Austin issued three straight walks.

Johan Rojas and Rafael Lantigua both homered for the Phillies, while Edmundo Sosa and Christian Arroyo both had multi-hit afternoons.

Featured Card:  Wheeler or Schwarber would be good picks here, but I suspect they'll get plenty of Featured Card time during the regular season.  Arroyo could be a dark horse candidate to make the opening day roster, and so far this spring the infielder is 4 for 8 with a home run and three RBIs.

Camp Head Count:  66

Spring Training Game 4 - Harper Drilled, Phils Win

Philadelphia Phillies	9
Toronto Blue Jays	6

2025 Topps
2024 All Topps Team #ATT-5

Spring Training Game 4

Wednesday Afternoon, February 26

TD Ballpark - Dunedin, FL

Record - 2-2

One Sentence Summary:  The Phillies held on for the win against the Blue Jays as Bryce Harper getting hit by a pitch in the sixth inning overshadowed the results of the game.

What It Means:  Harper is expected to be fine after he was hit in the right triceps by Jays' pitcher Richard Lovelady.  The slugger exited the game as a precaution and the postgame injury report was that he had suffered a bruise and no x-ray was needed.

What Happened:  Joe Ross got the start, and allowed a pair of runs in his two innings of work.  The Phillies bullpen kept the Blue Jays offense off the board until the ninth inning when Tristan Garnett allowed four runs (three earned) on three walks and a double.

Gabriel Rincones, Jr. hit his second home run of the spring in the third.  Kyle Schwarber, Bryson Stott and J.T. Realmuto all contributed RBI singles in the sixth.  Kody Clemens made it 9-2 Phillies with a two-run double in the top of the eighth.

Featured Card:  Harper will get plenty of featured card opportunities throughout the 2025 season, but given he was the story of the game I'll go with a recently added card of his from 2025 Topps.  The scan of this card doesn't do it justice, as there's a cool glittery/foil thing going on behind Harper's photo.

Camp Head Count:  66

Spring Training Game 3 - Sanchez Looks Sharp, Phils Win

Philadelphia Phillies	5
Tampa Bay Rays	4

2024 Choice Reading Fightin
Phils (1st Edition) #4

Spring Training Game 3

Tuesday Afternoon, February 25

Charlotte Sports Park - Port Charlotte, FL

Record - 1-2

One Sentence Summary:  Cristopher Sanchez looked sharp in his spring debut and a team of likely reserves and IronPigs came up with timely hits against the Rays in the 5-4 win.

What It Means:  The Phillies and Pirates game was rained out on Monday, so Sanchez had his spring debut delayed by a day.  

What Happened:  Sanchez went his scheduled two innings, allowing a hit and striking out three.  Nicholas Padilla picked up the win in relief, while Aaron Schulfer and Jose Cuas closed it out with two scoreless innings.  Edmundo Sosa started the scoring for the Phillies with a two-run single in the third.  Otto Kemp gave the Phillies a 3-1 lead with an RBI-double in the fourth.  The Rays tied it up in the bottom of the fourth, on a throwing error by shortstop Aidan Miller, but RBI singles in the seventh from Carson Taylor and Rafael Lantigua gave the Phillies a 5-3 lead. 

Featured Card:  Sosa started the scoring, but Taylor gave the Phillies the lead in the seventh with his RBI-single.  Taylor spent all last season in the Phillies' minor league system, after having spent the the prior three years climbing the ladder in the Dodgers' system.

Camp Head Count:  66

Spring Training Game 2 - Working Out the Kinks

Baltimore Orioles	7
Philadelphia Phillies	3

2024 Choice Reading Fightin
Phils (3rd Edition) #16

Spring Training Game 2

Sunday Afternoon, February 23

BayCare Ballpark - Clearwater, FL

Record - 0-2

One Sentence Summary:  The Phillies played their Clearwater home opener on Sunday afternoon, dropping a sun-splashed affair to the Orioles, 7-3.

What It Means:  Will this spring ever end? 😄

What Happened:  Tyler Phillips got the start, and he allowed three runs to the Orioles on a pair of hits, including a solo home run to Vimael Machin in the second.  Machin had been a non-roster invitee for the Phillies back in 2023.  Most of the Phillies pitchers to follow Phillips didn't fare much better, with only John McMillon and Carlos Francisco throwing scoreless frames.

The Phillies offense was fairly quiet.  Their first hit came in the third when Christian Arroyo launched a long home run to center to make it 3-1, Orioles.  The only other offensive action for the Phillies came in the seventh when Justin Crawford led off by slapping a single down the third base line and Gabriel Rincones, Jr. hit the first pitch he saw deep over the right-center field fence.

This was the first of many televised Phillies games in 2025, and I loved being able to settle into a Sunday afternoon routine of watching the ballgame, despite the outcome.

Featured Card:  Arroyo was headed towards featured card status until Rincones' more impressive home run a few innings later.  The Reading Fightin Phils issued three team sets throughout last season, and this is Rincones' card from the third and final set, released in September.

Camp Head Count:  66

Spring Training Game 1 - Baseball is Back!

Philadelphia Phillies	6
Detroit Tigers	7

2024 Topps Heritage #476

Spring Training Game 1

Saturday Afternoon, February 22

Joker Marchant Stadium - Lakeland, FL

Record - 0-1

One Sentence Summary:  The Phillies dropped the Grapefruit League lid-lifter late, falling to the Tigers by a score of 7-6.

What It Means:   I started composing these Phillies game summary posts at some point during the 2009 season, and I briefly considered stopping the daily routine following the 2024 season.  I know I'm not breaking any news here, and my readership is several dozen views a post, at best.  (And who know how many of those are just bots?)  But this blog brings me joy, always has, and my brief hesitation to continue this daily practice throughout 2025 was quickly put aside when I realized how much I'd miss doing this.  I also realized how much I needed to keep doing this.

Our country is an embarrassing mess.  The Phillies, baseball cards, and by extension this blog, give me a daily respite from the doom-scrolling that might otherwise occupy what free time I have.  I don't have any grand answers, and I wish I did, but I can be kind to others suffering or sad and try to help.  I can continue to support the causes and organizations that provide much-needed empathy and make a difference to our communities.  I can share some Phillies highlights and a baseball card on a daily basis, ensuring my mental health is getting some attention.  We can and we will keep moving forward.  Play ball.

What Happened:  Non-roster invitee Nabil Crismatt got the start for the Phillies, and he pitched two scoreless innings.  Relievers Jose Cuas, Austin Schulfer and Wesley Moore let the Tigers chip away at what had been a 6-1 Phillies lead heading to the bottom of the sixth.  Buddy Kennedy had the first home run of the spring for the Phillies in the fifth, and catcher Josh Breaux added a solo shot in the sixth.

Featured Card:  Kennedy's two-run home run gave the Phillies a 5-0 lead.  A few innings earlier, in the third, Max Kepler collected his first hit in a Phillies uniform, driving home a pair with a single to center.  Kepler has been penciled in as the team's regular left fielder, and it was good to see him start strong.  This is the only card of his in my Phillies Collection so far, from last year's Topps Heritage set.

Camp Head Count:  66

As spring training games began, the Phillies officially had 66 players in camp - 40 on the 40-man roster and 26 non-roster invitees.  Weston Wilson (inf) is the first player to succumb to injury, and an oblique injury will keep him on the shelf for about six weeks.

Spring Training 2025: Non-Roster Invitees

2024 Choice Reading Fightin Phils (3rd Edition) #29

2022 Topps Heritage #656

2024 Choice Reading Fightin Phils (3rd Edition) #11

2024 Choice Reading Fightin Phils (3rd Edition) #33

2024 Choice Buffalo Bisons #8

In years' past, news of Phillies' non-roster invitees trickled in over the weeks and months leading to the opening of spring training.  This year, the Phillies gave us one big press release on January 14th announcing 23 non-roster invitees, and they's added three more names to the list since then.

Here's a look at the 26 non-roster invitees opening camp with the Phillies, their 2024 organizations and one of the more recently available baseball cards.

1. Josh Breaux (c) - Yankees / Phillies - 2024 Choice Reading Fightin Phils (3rd Edition) #29
2. Payton Henry (c) - Blue Jays - 2024 Choice Buffalo Bisons #5
3. Paul McIntosh (c) - Marlins - 2024 Choice Pensacola Blue Wahoos #17
4. Caleb Ricketts (c) - Phillies - 2024 Choice Reading Fightin Phils (3rd Edition) #11
5. Rodolfo Castro (inf) - Phillies - 2023 Topps Heritage #453
6. Otto Kemp (inf) - Phillies - 2024 Choice Reading Fightin Phils (3rd Edition) #33
7. Rafael Lantigua (inf) - Blue Jays - 2024 Choice Buffalo Bisons #8
8. Aidan Miller (inf) - Phillies - 2024 Topps Pro Debut #PD-31
9. Carson Taylor (inf) - Phillies - 2024 Choice Reading Fightin Phils (3rd Edition) #7
10. Justin Crawford (of) - Phillies - 2024 Topps Pro Debut #PD-124
11. Gabriel Rincones Jr. (of) - Phillies - 2024 Topps Pro Debut #PD-54
12. Matt Kroon (util) - Phillies - 2024 Choice Lehigh Valley IronPigs #14
13. Nabil Crismatt (rhp) - Dodgers / Rangers / Padres - 2023 Topps World Baseball Classic #17
14. Jose Cuas (rhp) - Cubs / Blue Jays / Phillies - 2024 Topps Heritage #151
15. Joel Kuhnel (rhp) - Astros / Blue Jays / Brewers / Rays - 2020 Topps Update #U-281
16. Griff McGarry (rhp) - Phillies - 2024 Topps Pro Debut #PD-16
17. John McMillon (rhp) - Royals / Marlins - 2024 Topps #571
18. Nicholas Padilla (rhp) - White Sox - 2024 Choice Charlotte Knights #16
19. Andrew Painter (rhp) - Phillies - 2024 Choice Reading Fightin Phils (3rd Edition) #37
20. Austin Schulfer (rhp) - Twins / Tigers - 2023 Choice St. Paul Saints SGA
21. Guillo Zuniga (rhp) - Angels - 2023 Topps Now World Baseball Classic #WBC-22
22. Tristan Garnett (lhp) - Phillies - 2024 Choice Reading Fightin Phils (3rd Edition) #20
23. Nick Vespi (lhp) - Orioles - 2024 Choice Norfolk Tides #39
24. Koyo Aoyagi (rhp) - Hanshin Tigers - 2024 Topps NPB #78
25. Christian Arroyo (inf) - Brewers - 2023 Topps #352
26. Oscar Mercado (of) - Padres / Tigers - 2024 Choice El Paso Chihuahuas #17

Aoyagi signed a minor league deal with the Phillies on January 17th, and he's a veteran of nine seasons in Japan's Nippon Professional Baseball league.  Aoyagi was a an All-Star in Japan in 2019, 2021 and 2022.

On Valentine's Day, the Phillies officially signed Christian Arroyo (inf) and Oscar Mercado (of) to minor league contracts with invitations to spring training.  Arroyo has spent seven seasons in the majors as a back-up infielder with the Giants, Rays, Indians and Red Sox.  Mercado, who played in one game for the Phillies in 2022, was most recently in the majors with the Cardinals in 2023.

2024 Choice Reading Fightin Phils (3rd Edition) #7

2024 Topps Pro Debut #PD-54

2024 Choice Lehigh Valley IronPigs #14

2024 Topps Heritage #151

2020 Topps Update #U-281

2024 Topps #571

2024 Choice Reading Fightin Phils (3rd Edition) #20

2023 Topps Chrome Platinum Anniversary #91

2023 Topps NPB #105

2023 Topps #352