Monday, March 15, 2021

Spring Training Game 14 - 2019 Topps Big League #278 Odubel Herrera

Phillies 6
, Pirates 5
Spring Training Game 14 - Sunday Afternoon, March 14th in Bradenton
Record - 7-6-1

One Sentence Summary:  Starting pitcher Matt Moore continued his strong spring while the Phillies offense again provided just enough runs for this 6-5 win over the Pirates.

What It Means:  The sun is shining, the weather is warming up and the Phillies were on TV on Sunday - albeit the Pirates feed via the MLB app.  It was a good day.

What Happened:  Moore has had probably one of the best springs of any Phillies pitcher, and I would think he's all but locked up a spot in the team's starting pitching rotation.  He threw four innings, allowing a wind-blown solo home run to Pirates catcher Jacob Stallings, while striking out three.

Alec Bohm had two more hard hits, raising his spring average to .316, and Darrick Hall added his first home run in the seventh.  Matt Joyce also had a pair of RBI singles.

Featured Card:  I honestly didn't think I'd ever post an Odubel Herrera card again on this blog, but as he attempts to make a comeback following his domestic abuse suspension, he's emerged as the strongest candidates for the open center field spot.  He bunted for a base hit in the first and then hit a massive, bat flip inducing home run in the third.  Manager Joe Girardi remains non-committal on Herrera's chances of making the team.  But with Adam Haseley out with a groin injury, it could come down to Herrera and Roman Quinn for the final spot.  Herrera hasn't had any new baseball cards issued since the summer of 2019.

Camp Head Count:  66

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