Spring Training Game 31 - Sunday Afternoon, March 25th in Clearwater
Record - 12-17-2
One Sentence Summary: Roster moves and a blockbuster contract for Scott Kingery overshadowed this final weekend game in Clearwater as the Phillies lost to the Orioles, 6-5.
What It Means: I always anxiously await the start of spring training, but then after a few weeks, I can't wait for it to be over. The television broadcast today, along with all of social media, was dominated by talk of who will make the final 25-man roster and Kingery's big contract (see below).
What Happened: In the game, Nick Pivetta threw three scoreless innings. Rhys Hoskins hit his 5th home run and Maikel Franco added his 6th home run. Aaron Altherr had a pair of hits.
Featured Card: It had to be Kingery. For the record, I'm extremely excited for this season to start.
2018 Topps #308 |
During the game, the major announcement came that not only had Kingery made the opening day roster, the Phillies had signed him to six-year, $24 million contract extension with club options for 2024, 2025 and 2026. It's the longest and richest contract ever for a player yet to play a major league game. Kingery is expected to serve in a super utility role, getting starts at every infield and outfield position. Long-term, he'll eventually settle in as the team's regular second or third baseman. All that remains to be determined at this point is what number Kingery will switch to from his current #80.
Reliever Ricardo Pinto was designated for assignment to clear room on the 40-man roster for Kingery. Jesmuel Valentin was optioned to Triple-A, although his solid spring makes him a likely candidate to be recalled at some point this season.
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