The Philadelphia Phillies will begin their 2020 campaign at home this weekend against the visiting Miami Marlins. The Phillies finished their extended Spring Training play with the best record in the league for what it’s worth at 15-6. Meanwhile, Miami was right behind them at 13-7. Both teams announced their final 30-man rosters to start the season on Thursday.
Saturday, July 18 Phillies @ Nationals 7-2 Win
The Summer Camp exhibition games began for Philadelphia with a road matchup in Washington. Aaron Nola took the mound for his final tuneup leading up to Opening Day. The ace fired five one-hit innings striking out four and walking one in the victory. The story of the day was the Philadelphia offense however who capitalized on homers from two of their most important bats. Both Didi Gregorius and Bryce Harper launched missiles into the right-field bleachers off Max Scherzer.
Sunday, July 19 Phillies vs Orioles 4-1 Loss
Zack Wheeler got the nod in game number two at home against the Baltimore Orioles. He tossed four and a third allowing two runs and striking out four. After his wife gave birth just a day later, Wheeler has officially been announced as the starter for Saturday’s game against the Marlins. Harper and Rhys Hoskins both had two-hit efforts as the Phillies tallied eight hits in the loss.
Monday, July 20 Phillies @ Yankees 2-2 Tie
They wrapped up exhibition play with a trip to the unusually empty Bronx to face the New York Yankees. One of the most talked-about pieces of Summer Camp for the Phillies took the mound and impressed. Vince Velasquez threw five electric innings of one-run ball while striking out six. The only run he allowed was a solo shot by Aaron Judge who was the final batter he faced. Velasquez has been announced as the final starter for the opening series with the Marlins.
Final 30-Man Roster
Starting Pitchers
Aaron Nola, Zack Wheeler, Vince Velasquez, Jake Arrieta, and Zach Eflin
Clearly no real surprises here as the Phillies starters were all a lock to make the team with the only real question being whether Nick Pivetta would find his way into the rotation. With Wheeler ready to go, Pivetta should be the odd man out and get sent to the bullpen.
Bullpen
Right-handers Deolis Guerra, Tommy Hunter, Trevor Kelley, Reggie McClain, Héctor Neris, Nick Pivetta, Ramón Rosso, and left-handers José Álvarez, Austin Davis, Cole Irvin, and Adam Morgan
This is the biggest weakness on the roster for Philadelphia as discussed in depth in the season preview. Some of their most talented arms are banged up with both Seranthony Domínguez and David Roberston on the injured list. Young arms Ramón Rosso and Cole Irvin will have their fair share of opportunities. Meanwhile, Adam Morgan and Tommy Hunter will need to solidify themselves as reliable options. The most surprising bullpen arm to not make the roster was off-season acquisition, Robert Stock.
Catchers
J.T. Realmuto and Andrew Knapp
Not much to say here at all as clearly this position was a given. However, after the Mookie Betts extension, the Phillies better take note and prepare to open their pockets for the best catcher in baseball.
Infielders
Didi Gregorius, Rhys Hoskins, Scott Kingery, Jean Segura, Neil Walker, and Phil Gosselin
The starting infield is much improved based on off-season acquisitions and letting Maikel Franco and Cesar Hernandez walk. The bench bats are where it gets interesting. Neil Walker is a 10-year veteran presence that the Phillies need off the bench. Phil Gosselin is considered the 30th man after being added to the 40-man roster. He absolutely tore up Summer Camp taking many coaches by storm gaining the nickname “barrels”.
Outfielders
Jay Bruce, Kyle Garlick, Bryce Harper, Adam Haseley, Andrew McCutchen, and Roman Quinn
The Phillies have not officially announced who will start in center field between Haseley and Quinn. There is more depth here than any other position on the diamond. Kyle Garlick is an interesting name who could provide some right-handed pop off the bench. He made the 30-man over well known Phillie Nick Williams.
The Philadelphia Phillies will begin their quest at a National League East title tonight at 7:05 with Nola facing off against the Marlins and Sandy Alcantara.
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