Grapefruit Game 27 - 2019 Topps Now Spring Training #ST-3 Bryce Harper

Phillies 13, Blue Jays 6
Spring Training Game 27 - Thursday Afternoon, March 21st in Dunedin
Record - 12-12-3

One Sentence Summary:  The offense, led by Bryce Harper, unleashed 6 home runs against the Blue Jays in this 13-6 win.

What It Means:  The regular season starts one week from this game.

What Happened:  Harper hit a pair of bombs, his first two home runs of the spring.  Joining him were Gift Ngoepe (2), Andrew Knapp (2), J.T. Realmuto (4) and Andrew McCutchen (2).  Vince Velasquez allowed 5 hits and 3 runs over 3 1/3 innings while striking out 9.

Featured Card:  This is the first Topps Now card featuring Harper as a Phillie, released to commemorate his introductory press conference.  Topps sold 12,387 of these cards, making it the most popular Topps Now Phillies card since the program began in 2016.  The previous high was 4,221 cards for the Chase Utley/Ryan Howard combo card from 2016, which I'm including as a Phillies' card due to Howard's inclusion on the back photo.

2019 Chachi Almost #1

Camp Head Count:  48 - 13 = 35.  This was a busy day.  Before the game, Drew Anderson (rhp) and James Pazos (lhp) were optioned to the IronPigs.  Both will pitch for the Phillies at some point this upcoming season.  Non-roster invitees Edward Paredes (lhp), Jeremy Bleich (lhp), Trevor Plouffe (inf) and Gregorio Petit (inf) were all released.  A few hours later, Dylan Cozens (of) was also optioned and Adam Haseley (of) was reassigned to minor league camp.  Additionally, Shane Robinson (of), Lane Adams (of), Phil Gosselin (inf), Gift Ngoepe (inf) and Matt McBride (c) were told they would not make the opening day roster, but will remain with the team through the rest of spring training.

35 - 2 = 33.  Following the game, both Andrew Romine (inf) and Drew Butera (c) were granted their unconditional release.

There are 6 more roster moves to be made, assuming both Roman Quinn (of) and Tommy Hunter (rhp) start the season on the Injured List.  Only 3 non-roster invitees remain - Sean Rodriguez (inf), Rob Brantly (c) and Josh Martin (rhp).