Grapefruit Game 28 - 2018 Topps Opening Day #152 Jake Arrieta

Tigers 6, Phillies 2
Spring Training Game 28 - Thursday Afternoon, March 22nd in Clearwater
Record - 10-16-2

One Sentence Summary:  Jake Arrieta made his spring Phillies debut, lasting two innings in a 6-2 loss to the Tigers.

What It Means:  Arrieta admitted following his outing he may not be ready to go for the start of the season.  He struck out the first two batters he faced (convincingly) and then allowed a home run to Miguel Cabrera.

What Happened:  Arrieta's debut was the big story.  Pedro Florimon had an RBI single in the fourth and Adam Rosales hit a solo home run in the seventh.  Both are competing for one of the final roster spots.

2018 Chachi Almost #3

Featured Card:  I'll add any of Arrieta's 2018 baseball cards to my 2018 Phillies binder, even if they feature him with the Cubs as this Topps Opening Day card does.

Camp Head Count:  42 - 1 = 41.  Infielder Ryan Flaherty was released prior to the game, in spite of having a decent spring with the Phillies.  Flaherty had an out clause in his contract if he wasn't added to the 40-man roster by today and the Phillies seem to be leaning towards Florimon, Rosales or Jesmuel Valentin as their super utility bench players.  Flaherty hit .351 (13 for 37) and could end up heading back to the Orioles.  He earns the third spot on the Chachi Almost checklist for his brief time in Phillies pinstripes.