Wednesday, March 24, 2021

Spring Training Game 22 - 2020 Topps Gallery #78 J.T. Realmuto

Blue Jays 9
, Phillies 3
Spring Training Game 22 - Tuesday Night, March 23rd in Clearwater
Record - 10-11-1

One Sentence Summary:  The Blue Jays' offense connected early and often against Phillies' starting pitcher Zack Wheeler as the Phillies lost, 9-3.

What It Means:  Wheeler's tough outing wasn't the big news here, rather it was the news of who was catching him.  J.T. Realmuto saw his first action of the spring, homering on his first swing of his season.  Realmuto caught six innings and was replaced by Edgar Cabral in the seventh.

What Happened:  Wheeler went 3 1/3 innings, allowing 7 runs (5 earned) on 6 hits.  He also had 5 strikeouts.  Archie Bradley threw two scoreless innings and Neftali Feliz made his spring debut throwing a scoreless ninth while striking out a pair.  Roman Quinn added a home run in the third, and Jean Segura singled home Realmuto in the sixth.  At this point, the only remaining starting line-up question mark is in center field, with Quinn, Adam Haseley and Scott Kingery all still in the mix.

Featured Card:  After a lengthy offseason when it seemed at times Realmuto would land with a division rival, and a thumb injury at the start of camp, it was wonderful to see the catcher's name finally in the line-up last night.  We'll be treated to Phillies baseball cards for the Best Catcher in Baseball for years to come.

Camp Head Count:  60 - 2 = 58.  I would expect the roster moves to come fast and furious at this point.  Mickey Moniak (of) was optioned out along with Ranger Suarez (lhp).  Moniak started off hot this spring, but then seemed to not get a lot of playing time.  I'd bet he'll be back up at some point in 2021.

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