Wednesday was the first official workout for pitchers and catchers in Clearwater. Early arriving position players took batting practice, various players spoke with the media, and we got an extensive look at new additions to the pitching staff, including Zack Wheeler. Here’s a quick round-up of everything that happened:
Injuries
Andrew Knapp will go down as the first Phillie injured at Spring Training this season. Knapp injured his rib cage on a swing during batting practice before the first official workout for early arriving players. The team will reevaluate him on Thursday.
Enyel De Los Santos also has a hamstring injury, which means he will be off the mound for three weeks.
Victor Arano, who was a non-factor in 2019, is taking it a bit slow so far. According to Matt Gelb of The Athletic, Arano is throwing from 90 feet and is expected to take the mound within the next two to three weeks. He had elbow surgery at the end of May. If healthy, Arano could be a key contributor in the bullpen.
Hector Neris is currently sidelined with the flu. He is staying away from the team, as he should. Neris’ arbitration hearing is expected to occur sometime next week.
Robertson speaks on Astros scandal, is hopeful to return
Reliever David Robertson was apart of the 2017 Yankees team that was affected by the Astros extensive cheating scheme. Robertson was excellent down the stretch for the Yankees, giving up only two earned runs through his first 11 innings in the 2017 postseason. His dominance ended during Game 6 at Minute Maid Park after giving up four earned runs on four hits.
“It’s a disgrace what they’ve done and they’re going to have to live with it and everyone knows,” Robertson said to the collective media, including NBC Sports Philadelphia‘s Jim Salisbury. “I got roughed up in Game 6. And I felt like in that game I threw as well as I’ve ever thrown in my entire life. I had some pitches that got hit that I was a little shocked by and some pitches that didn’t get swung at that I was a little shocked by. At the time, I wasn’t thinking about what we know now. But it all comes together now and, you know, I’m upset about it, that’s for sure.
“I’m never going to get 2017 back. I can’t say moving forward I’ll never get to pitch in an LCS again, but I’ll never get that season back with that group of guys and that opportunity to win a World Series. Like I said, I’m still upset about it. I don’t want to say something I’m going to regret but I’m definitely not happy about it.”
On a more positive note, Robertson said that his goal is to return, “Hopefully halfway through the season.” The 34-year-old had Tommy John surgery in August.
Embed from Getty ImagesFirst look: Rhys Hoskins’ new swing
Rhys Hoskins was one of many position players who arrived early and began working at the Carpenter Complex. Members of the media were able to shoot footage of batting practice. Hoskins’ brand new swing, which features a wider stance and lower hands, was on display:
Tommy Hunter’s deal now official
The Phillies announced Wednesday that they have signed Tommy Hunter to a one-year, Major League contract. His deal is worth $850,000 thousand but could earn an additional $1.4 million in performance bonuses, per Jon Heyman of Radio.com. Phillies camp is now at 71 players.
Zack Wheeler has Cy Young ambitions, Jake Arrieta feels healthy
The Phillies splashiest signing of the offseason spoke with the media on Wednesday. He was not shy about sharing his ambitions for 2020 and beyond. Jake Arrieta also talked to Scott Palmer of Phillies.com, saying it “feels good” to feel healthy coming into Spring Training. Girardi also gave a special shoutout to Nick Pivetta and Aaron Nola for “looking pretty sharp.”
Extras: Nola BP session, Lawrence McCutcheon Andrew McCutchen taking swings
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