Time for some news:
LEITER HURT: Mark Leiter Jr. flew back to Philadelphia for testing on his right forearm. While nothing is yet official, Leiter might have to start the season on the disabled list.
Leiter seemed poised to make the roster as long man and emergency starter.
ARRIETA UPDATE: Also in that report, Jake Arrieta will make his first Grapefruit League start Thursday against the Tigers. That means he might be able to get two starts in before opening day, which means he might be able to pitch in the first week of the regular season. But we’ll see – the Phillies are apparently going to exercise caution, which is the best approach, even if they are thin on starting pitching to start.
THE ROTATION: As of right now, here’s how the rotation could work:
- March 29 at ATL: Nola
- March 30 at ATL: Velasquez
- March 31 at ATL: Pivetta
- April 1: Off (it’s weird that they’re off on a Sunday, even if it’s Easter)
- April 2 at NYM: Lively
- April 3 at NYM: Nola
- April 4 at NYM: Velasquez
- April 5 vs MIA: Pivetta
- April 7 vs MIA: Arietta
- April 8 vs MIA: Lively
This gives them some time with Arrieta while taking advantage of the days off.
‘PROBLEMATIC’: Here’s an interesting piece via Stephen Gross: Pat Neshek is happy to be back with the Phillies, but especially with this coaching staff, because the last one wasn’t his favorite.
Neshek said the previous group caused things to be “a little problematic.” He said there was little to no communication, and the clubhouse was pretty quiet when he was there (Neshek was traded to Colorado at the trade deadline).
YESTERDAY: Another loss for the Phils, as they dropped it 6-5 to the Red Sox, thanks to a big four-run ninth for Boston. Tom Eshelman gave up the runs.
Meanwhile Drew Hutchison, who now could make the 25-man roster as a long man, went five innings, struck out three and allowed just a run.
Aaron Altherr added a home run, while Nick Williams went 2-for-4.
TODAY’S GAME: The Phillies travel to neighboring Dunedin for a 1 p.m. game against the Blue Jays.
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