CLEARWATER, Fla. — Here are some quick notes/takeaways from Phillies camp on Tuesday, Feb. 18:
- Bryce Harper bounced back after missing Monday’s first full-squad workout due to an illness. He homered in his first at-bat against non-roster invitee Nabil Crismatt. Bryson Stott, Alec Bohm, J.T. Realmuto and Garrett Stubbs were also in Harper’s batting practice group. Stott and Bohm each recorded at least one base hit. “Today was kind of a hitter’s day,” Rob Thomson said.
- Speaking of Crismatt, he will start the Phillies’ Grapefruit League opener on Saturday against the Detroit Tigers in Lakeland. Alan Rangel will also pitch. Both are scheduled to throw two innings. Thomson has a rotation in mind after the opener, but that will be announced at a later date.
- The big attraction on Tuesday was top prospect Andrew Painter. He threw a quick bullpen session to J.T. Realmuto. He impressed, but it was obvious that he wasn’t turning it loose the way he did two camps ago when he was trying to make the team. “When I saw him in [The Arizona Fall League] in competition, he was stepping on it. It was really good. I think he’s learned a lesson,” Thomson said.
- The pitcher that threw alongside Painter was Taijuan Walker. He is fighting for a roster spot this spring.
- The pitcher that always seems to be way ahead of everyone else in camp is Aaron Nola. That is not the case this year. He is dealing with the flu, but Thomson said he was supposed to come in later on Tuesday to throw a bullpen session.
- An illness swept through the Phillies clubhouse last spring. It slowed many players down. Even Orion Kerkering had to start the year on the injured list due to needing more time to build up following the illness. How are they going to prevent something like this from happening again? “We’re keeping guys out of the clubhouse,” Thomson said. “That’s the No. 1 key to keep it from spreading. Last year, we were a little more lenient, I think, and it really spread. It spread quickly. So we’re just telling them to stay home.”
- The only Phillie that has yet to make an appearance in camp Trea Turner. He is away from the team due to a personal matter. He is driving to Clearwater on Tuesday and is expected to be on the field starting Wednesday if his physical goes well.
