Phillies news and rumors 5/17: Mets fans to throw out first pitch at Citizens Bank Park

A representative from a Mets fan group will throw out a first pitch prior to the June 24 Phillies-Mets game at Citizens Bank Park.

The 7 Line Army, a popular New York Mets fan group, announced on Twitter that the group has sold enough tickets to automatically receive the perk of being able to throw out a ceremonial first pitch. According to the Phillies website, groups of 500 or more are eligible to have a representative throw out a ceremonial first ball, pending availability.

If this all sounds familiar, it’s because it has happened before. On August 20, 2022, the group packed multiple sections in the 400 level and had a member wearing a Mets jersey throw out a first pitch — much to the chagrin of Phillies fans everywhere.

This time around, the Phillies, according to the 7 Line’s Twitter page, told the group that they are not allowed to wear Mets gear to the mound.

It’s going to be a crazy weekend. The Phillies absolutely stunk last year against the Mets, going 5-14. New York fans practically took over Citizens Bank Park the last time the Mets were in town in what was a pretty embarrassing weekend, so hopefully the Phillies’ attendance bump extends into the first weekend at home against their bitter rivals.

Must-Read (Or Watch) Phillies Content

• Phillies pitching prospect Orion Kerkering is lighting up the radar gun at High A. Matt Gelb has a feature story on Kerkering, Hao-Yu Lee, Caleb Ricketts and Jordi Martinez on The Athletic.

Orion Kerkering just popped 102 on my gun and has a hellacious slider, he is not going to be at this level long pic.twitter.com/1fccYerFDv

— Jarrett Seidler (@jaseidler) May 17, 2023

• Gelb and Paul Boye discuss Kerkering, Edmundo Sosa, Bryson Stott and what the Phillies should do with the No. 5 spot in the rotation on Phillies Therapy.
• Noah Skirrow, a Triple-A arm that’s in consideration for a spot in the major league rotation, allowed five earned runs over 3 2/3 innings in a loss to the Woo Sox on Tuesday night. Prior to Tuesday’s game, general manager Sam Fuld spoke with Todd Zolecki of MLB.com on Skirrow.

Former Phillies Watch

• Mickey Moniak hit another leadoff home run for the Angels on Tuesday night against the Orioles.

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