Game 5 - Wheeler Wins First of 2025

Colorado Rockies	1
Philadelphia Phillies	5

2025 Topps #218

Game 5

Wednesday Night, April 2nd

Citizens Bank Park - Philadelphia, PA
4-1, 1st Place, 1 game ahead of the Marlins

One Sentence Summary:  Zack Wheeler picked up his first win of the season and Edmundo Sosa stayed hot at the plate in this 5-1 win over the Rockies.

What It Means:  The Phillies will go for a series sweep on Thursday afternoon behind Taijuan Walker, before welcoming the Dodgers to town for a weekend set.

What Happened:  Wheeler allowed a solo home run to Hunter Goodman in the seventh inning, the only blemish during his otherwise spotless performance.  He had allowed two hits prior to that, and ended his outing with 10 strikeouts.

The Phillies scored first in the fourth inning when Kyle Schwarber doubled home Alec Bohm.  With a slim 2-1 lead in the bottom of the seventh, Trea Turner singled home Sosa.  Sosa made it 5-1 Phillies with a two-run double in the eighth.  Filling in for Bryson Stott in this game, Sosa went 3 for 4 to raise his season average to a gaudy .600 (9 for 15) with four doubles.

Featured Card:  Here's Wheeler's most recent Topps flagship card from Topps Series One.

2025 Virtual Phillies Wall / 2025 Season Summary Index / 2025 Chachi Set Checklist

Game 4 - Sosa Sparks Late Inning Win

Colorado Rockies	1
Philadelphia Phillies	6

2024 Philadelphia Phillies Photocards

Game 4

Monday Afternoon, March 31st

Citizens Bank Park - Philadelphia, PA
3-1, 1st Place, 1/2 game ahead of the Marlins

One Sentence Summary:  Back-to-back doubles by Bryson Stott and Edmundo Sosa in the seventh gave the Phillies the lead for good in this game, supporting a strong outing from Cristopher Sanchez.

What It Means:  We originally had tickets for this game, as it's become an annual tradition for us to get to the home opener.  Having two sons now playing high school sports, and with both their teams, baseball and tennis, kicking off their seasons, we made the easy decision to give away our Phillies tickets and attend their opening day high school game/match.  The Phillies fared better than their high school teams.

What Happened:  Rockies' starting pitcher German Marquez held the Phillies to four hits with nary a run over the first six innings of the game.  Sanchez had allowed a sixth inning solo home run to Hunter Goodman.  The Phillies plated four quick runs in the seventh, all with two outs, with Stott doubling, Trea Turner drawing a walk, Sosa doubling Stott home and Kyle Schwarber hitting his third home run of the season.  In the eighth, Max Kepler and Nick Castellanos hit back-to-back solo home runs to give the Phillies a 6-1 lead.

Featured Card:  Sosa has filled in nicely for Turner the last few days, as the regular shortstop deals with back issues.  Here's his card from the fairly rare and not yet completely checklisted 2024 Phillies Photo Card set.

Transaction:  On Tuesday, the Phillies claimed Brett de Geus (rhp) off waivers from the Miami Marlins and optioned him to Lehigh Valley.  Also, Buddy Kennedy (inf) cleared waivers, declined his assignment to the minor leagues, but then resigned with the Phillies on a minor league contract.

2025 Virtual Phillies Wall / 2025 Season Summary Index / 2025 Chachi Set Checklist

Colorado Rockies at Philadelphia Phillies - 2025 Home Opener

2005 Topps Retired Signature Autographs #TA-CDH

2005 Topps Retired Signature Autographs #TA-BD

Monday, March 31st - 3:05
Wednesday, April 2nd - 6:45
Thursday, April 3rd - 1:05




Colorado Rockies 1-2
5th Place in the N.L. West, 3 games behind the Dodgers

Rockies Probables
German Marquez (0-0, 0.00)
Kyle Freeland (0-0, 0.00)
Antonio Senzatela (0-0, 0.00)

Rockies Leaders
Average:  Nick Martini - .444
Runs:  Nick Martini and Michael Toglia - 2
Home Runs:  Mickey Moniak - 1
RBIs:  Kyle Farmer and Mickey Moniak - 2
Stolen Bases:  Jordan Beck - 2

Wins:  Luis Peralta - 1
ERA:  Kyle Freeland and Antonio Senzatela - 0.00
Strikeouts:  Kyle Freeland - 7
Saves:  Steve Halvorsen - 1

Citizens Bank Park - Philadelphia, PA
The Phillies will celebrate their home opener on Monday afternoon, with all fans receiving a 2024 National League East Champions pennant.  On Wednesday, fans 15 and over will receive a McDonald's Opening Night t-shirt.

Philadelphia Phillies 2-1
2nd Place in the N.L. East, 1/2 game behind the Marlins

Phillies Probables
Cristopher Sanchez (0-0, 0.00
Zack Wheeler (0-0, 1.50)
Taijuan Walker (0-0, 0.00)

Phillies Leaders
Average:  Edmundo Sosa - .500
Runs:  Bryson Stott - 4
Home Runs:  Kyle Schwarber - 2
RBIs:  Kyle Schwarber - 4
Stolen Bases:  Bryson Stott - 1

Wins:  Jose Alvarado and Jesus Luzardo - 1
ERA:  Zack Wheeler - 1.50

Strikeouts:  Jesus Luzardo - 11
Saves:  N/A

2025 Virtual Phillies Wall / 2025 Season Summary Index / 2025 Chachi Set Checklist

Game 3 - Long Ball, Lack of Timely Hits Downs Phils

Philadelphia Phillies	1
Washington Nationals	5

2009 Upper Deck Update #U17

Game 3

Sunday Afternoon, March 30th

Nationals Park - Washington, DC
2-1, 2nd Place, 1/2 game behind the Marlins

One Sentence Summary:  Aaron Nola gave up two big home runs and the Phillies' offense went 0 for 9 with runners in scoring position in this 5-1 loss.

What It Means:  After winning the series in Washington, the Phillies return to Citizens Bank Park for their home opener on Monday afternoon against the Rockies.

What Happened:  Nola surrendered a three-run home run to Josh Bell in the fourth and a two-run home run to Nathaniel Lowe in the sixth, chasing him from the game.  He struck out eight and didn't walk a batter.  The Phillies had their chances, but couldn't come up with a big hit.  They had runners in scoring position in each of the first four innings, but didn't push across any runs.  A bases loaded threat in the seventh ended when Alec Bohm grounded into a double play.

Nationals' starting pitcher Mitchell Parker pitched 6 1/3 shutout innings, giving up seven hits and a pair of walks while striking out five.

Featured Card:  We're only three games into the season, and we've arrived at the first game with no logical choice for a featured card.  Here's a card of former Phillie and current Nationals' bench coach, Miguel Cairo.

2025 Virtual Phillies Wall / 2025 Season Summary Index / 2025 Chachi Set Checklist

Game 2 - Luzardo Deals, Offense Mashes in Win

Philadelphia Phillies	11
Washington Nationals	6

2020 Topps Opening Day #105

Game 2

Saturday Afternoon, March 29th

Nationals Park - Washington, DC
2-0, 1st Place, 1/2 game ahead of the Marlins

One Sentence Summary:  Jesus Luzardo struck out 11 and earned the win in his Phillies debut, while Kyle Scharber and Brandon Marsh both hit three-run home runs in this 11-6 win.

What It Means:  Luzardo's 11 strike outs tied him for second most in a Phillies debut, as Jim Bunning also struck out 11 in 1964, and Garrett Stephenson (!) struck out 12 in 1997.  The Phillies go for the series sweep this afternoon behind Aaron Nola.

What Happened:  Luzardo's only blemish was allowing a two-run home run to Keibert Ruiz in the second inning.  He allowed five hits and walked a pair over five innings.  The non-high leverage pitchers from the Phillies bullpen - Jose Ruiz, Carlos Hernandez, Joe Ross - all allowed runs, making this game closer than it needed to be.

The Phillies tied the game at 2-2 thanks to Bryson Stott's two-run home run in the fourth.  Stott had doubled in his first at-bat.  They took the lead for good in a five-run sixth inning, bookended by a bases loaded walk to Edmundo Sosa and Schwarber's second home run of the season.  Marsh hit his blast in the seventh, giving the Phillies a 10-3 lead.

Sosa was in the line-up as Trea Turner was a late scratch with back stiffness.

Featured Card:  Luzardo will need to wait a bit for his first Phillies baseball card, and here's one of his rookie cards from 2020 Topps Opening Day.

2025 Virtual Phillies Wall / 2025 Season Summary Index / 2025 Chachi Set Checklist

Game 1 - Phils Win in Extras After Record-Setting K Day

Philadelphia Phillies	7
Washington Nationals	3

10 Innings

2024 Topps Throwback
Thursday #112

Game 1

Thursday Afternoon, March 27th

Nationals Park - Washington, DC
1-0, Tied for 1st Place, 1 game ahead of the Braves, Mets and Nationals

One Sentence Summary:  The Phillies struck out a record 19 times on opening day, but still got away with an extra-inning, 7-3 win.

What It Means:  It was an anti-climatic opening day for me, as I was 500 miles away in Myrtle Beach getting ready to watch my son and his high school team play a scrimmage at the Cal Ripken Experience.  Both the Phillies and his team came away with wins, and I'd be lying if I said I wasn't more excited about the high school scrimmage victory than the Phillies' opening day win.

What Happened:  Nationals' starter MacKenzie Gore and four relievers combined to strike out 19 Phillies, with Gore tallying 13 of those in six innings of work, tying an opening day record.  As soon as Gore exited, the Phillies took a 2-1 lead in the seventh with solo home runs from Bryce Harper and Kyle Schwarber.  It was Harper's sixth opening day home run.  Max Kepler made it 3-1 Phillies when he scored on a wild pitch in the eighth.  Jordan Romano had a rough Phillies debut, allowing the Nationals to tie the game in the bottom of the eighth.

In the the top of the 10th, Bryson Stott stole third with two outs after starting the inning at second as the zombie runner.  Harper drew a walk, and Alec Bohm doubled them both home, giving the Phillies a 5-3 lead.  J.T. Realmuto would bring home two more runs later in the inning with a triple.  Zack Wheeler got a no decision, but struck out eight and allowed just a solo home run in his six-inning 2025 debut.

Featured Card:  Bohm had the big hit, and there were times during the offseason it seemed he'd definitely be traded.  I recently added this card to my collection, paying tribute to a 1991 Topps Magazine card.

Transaction:  Prior to the game, opening day rosters were announced and Buddy Kennedy (inf) was officially designated for assignment.  Weston Wilson (inf) and Ranger Suarez (lhp) were placed on the injured list, retroactive to March 24th.

On Wednesday, the Phillies traded Tyler Phillips (rhp) to the Miami Marlins for cash considerations.  Phillips was out of minor league options and he made his debut with the Marlins on Friday, pitching three innings of scoreless relief.  With the Phillies, he was 4-1 in eight appearances, including seven starts.  He threw one memorable shutout on July 27th against the Guardians.

2025 Virtual Phillies Wall / 2025 Season Summary Index / 2025 Chachi Set Checklist

Philadelphia Phillies at Washington Nationals - Baseball is Back!

2025 Chachi 2005 Topps Missing Links #3

2025 Chachi Series Previews #1

Thursday, March 27th - 4:05
Saturday, March 29th - 4:05
Sunday, March 30th - 1:35

Philadelphia Phillies 95-67
2024 National League East Champions

Phillies Probables
Zack Wheeler (16-7, 2.57)
Jesus Luzardo (3-6, 5.00)
Aaron Nola (14-8, 3.57)

Phillies Spring Leaders
Average:  Kody Clemens - .327
Runs:  Alec Bohm and Kody Clemens - 11
Home Runs:  Four tied with - 3
RBIs:  Max Kepler and Edmundo Sosa - 11
Stolen Bases:  Oscar Mercado - 4

Wins:  Jose Ruiz - 2
ERA:  Jose Alvarado - 0.00
Strikeouts:  Jose Alvarado - 20
Saves:  Jack Dallas - 2

Nationals Park - Washington, DC
The first 20,000 fans will receive a Nationals opening day t-shirt on Thursday.

Washington Nationals 71-91
4th place in the National League East

Nationals Probables
MacKenzie Gore (10-12, 3.90)
TBD
TBD

Nationals Spring Leaders
Average:  CJ Abrams and Dylan Crews - .273
Runs:  Dylan Crews - 13
Home Runs:  James Wood - 4
RBIs:  Keibert Ruiz and James Wood - 11
Stolen Bases:  Nasim Nunez - 7

Wins:  MacKenzie Gore and Trevor Williams - 2
ERA:  Trevor Williams - 3.93

Strikeouts:  Trevor Williams - 19
Saves:  Clay Helvey - 2

2025 Virtual Phillies Wall / 2025 Season Summary Index / 2025 Chachi Set Checklist

Introducing the 2025 Chachi Set - Getting Nostalgic for 2005

2025 Chachi Preview #2

2025 Chachi Preview #1

2025 Chachi Friendly Encounters #1

Time is going quicker these days, and I'm at the age where events that seemed to have happened five or six years ago actually happened closer to 20 or 25 years ago in reality.  I've been doing better, I think, on focusing on the present and making sure to "Be Here Now" as the wise sage George Harrison once sang.  I I still get nostalgic though, and it's crazy for me to realize I've been making these custom Chachi Phillies sets since way back in 2005.  A ton has happened in 20 years.  It's staggering how much has happened.

When it came time for me to pick a design I'd work with this year to make my Chachi set, I really didn't feel any excitement about tackling one of the sets from the 1970s or 1980s I've not worked with yet - 1972, 1987 or 1989.  I honestly considered double dipping and going back to one of the earlier designs of these Chachi sets (1981, 1975 or 1976) but that didn't necessarily seem like fun either, even though I love those designs.  That's when I turned my attention to the Topps sets of the 2000s.  I found myself with a new found appreciation of a set I had likely dismissed when it first came out.  I found myself getting nostalgic about 2005 and the 2005 Topps set.

We were newly married in 2005, not yet with children.  My Dad's health issues hadn't fully surfaced yet, and he was grumbling daily about bad decisions Charlie Manuel had made or complaining about the team's playoff drought.  The world didn't seem so cruel or so divided in 2005.  I didn't actively avoid the news and social media in 2005 in an effort to protect my mental health.

The 2005 Topps set has a fun design.  Yes, there's a lot going on, but it's color-coded to the team (a huge plus for me) and I love the glittery gold big last name with a unique font (Colossalis Bold) emblazoned at the top of each card.  It's one of the few Topps sets that advertise its year on the front, so I got to update that from 2005 to 2025 for my Chachi set.  These cards are fun, and making custom baseball cards, especially after doing it for 20 years, and particularly as I work on Being Here Now, should be fun too.

The cards shown above are the first three cards I created for the set.  Cole Hamels had his first Topps flagship card in the 2005 Topps set, on a card shared with Ryan Howard, and he was a guest instructor this spring for the Phillies down in Clearwater.  Bob Dernier is my all-time favorite player, and creating his card gave me a chance to play with the colors of the intertwining borders for a retro Phillies card.  And I literally bumped in to Mickey Morandin between 18th and 19th Streets on Market Street in Center City Philadelphia on February 3rd.  The Phillies' equipment truck, bound for Florida, made stops at a few Citizens Bank locations prior to making the trek southward.  Morandini and Dickie Noles were handing out rally towels and autographs as I walked down Market Street to pick up my lunch that day.  I told Morandini I'd regret it later if I didn't stop and get a selfie, and he kindly obliged.

So here's to the 2005 Topps design, now the 2025 Chachi design, and here's to remembering simpler times that weren't as long ago as we think, and are hopefully closer to returning than we expect.

Spring Training Game 30 - Spring Schedule Concludes with Win

Tampa Bay Rays	6
Philadelphia Phillies	8

2023 Topps Allen & Ginter
Mini Only In . . . #OI-21

Spring Training Game 30

Monday Afternoon, March 24th

BayCare Ballpark - Clearwater, FL

Record - 15-13-2

One Sentence Summary:  The Phillies wrapped up their 2025 exhibition schedule with an 8-6 win over the Rays, before heading north for the season opener in Washington on Thursday afternoon.

What It Means:  I listened to the entirety of this game during a nine-hour drive down to Myrtle Beach on Monday.  Our oldest son's high school baseball team is playing its spring training games at the Cal Ripken Experience down here, and I had no qualms about re-arranging my work schedule to make sure I didn't miss a pitch.  The Phillies' broadcast was looser than usual, which was a lot of fun to listen to, and the vibe of the entire game was, "Let's get this over with and get the season going."

What Happened:  It was a little concerning the team's fifth starter to begin the season, Taijuan Walker, didn't look crisp.  He allowed four runs on six hits and three walks in his four-inning outing.  The Phillies' offense banged out eight doubles in the game, from Kyle Schwarber, Rafael Marchan, Johan Rojas, Edmundo Sosa, Kody Clemens and a few other prospects joining the club for the day.

Featured Card:  I recently added this card to my collection, as I hadn't been aware of its existence until recently.  I can't wait to get back to the ballpark.

Camp Head Count:  30 - 4 = 26

None of these moves will be official until Thursday, but Ranger Suarez (lhp) and Weston Wilson (inf) will start the season on the injured list.  Andrew Painter (rhp) will be reassigned to the minor leages.  And Buddy Kennedy (inf) will be traded or designated for assignment.  Clemens beat out Kennedy for the final open roster spot, and Kennedy is out of minor league options.

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.