Saturday, March 4, 2023

Spring Training Game 8 - Vierling Revenge Tour Begins

2022 Stadium Club #203
Tigers 6
, Phillies 3
Spring Training Game 8 - Friday Afternoon, March 3rd in Clearwater
Record - 4-3-1

One Sentence Summary:  Matt Vierling did some damage against his former team as the Phillies lost, 6-3.

What It Means:  There were a lot of Phillies news to come out of this day, but the most distressing was that Andrew Painter would be shut down temporarily due to elbow tenderness.  This could likely jeopardize his path to making the team's opening day roster, and we can only hope the issue isn't anything major.

What Happened:  Other news included the spring debut of Rhys Hoskins.  Playing as the DH, Hoskins reached in all three of his plate appearances with a pair of singles and a walk.  Taijuan Walker made his Phillies pitching debut, allowing two runs in 2 1/3 innings on four hits while striking out two.  The only Phillies runs came on long balls, including Edmundo Sosa's second home run in the fifth, and a two-run home run from J.T. Realmuto in the sixth.

Ex-Phillies were all over the Tigers' side of the box score.  Nick Maton led off, was 0 for 2 with a walk and was caught stealing by Realmuto.  Vierling batted second and was 3 for 3 with two RBIs.  Cesar Hernandez started at second base and Donny Sands was the starting catcher.  Andrew Knapp entered the game late at first base for the Tigers.

Featured Card:  It was a good deal for the Phillies, but I was still sorry to see Vierling and Maton head to Detroit.  Reliever Gregory Soto and infielder Kody Clemens came over from the Tigers in early January in exchange for Vierling, Maton and Sands, and Soto will likely be a big part of the Phillies bullpen in 2023.  I'm hoping all three ex-Phillies find success in Detroit.

Camp Head Count:  65

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