On Friday, the Phillies lost 9-1 against the Atlanta Braves. Francisco Rosario got the start and only lasted 2 innings while giving up 6 runs. He said that he wasn’t able to throw his slider because of the wet weather. Regardless of the weather, he had no control. He hit a couple of batters and also gave up a grand slam. Following the game the Phillies sent Carlos Carrasco, Josh Outman, Brandon Watson, and Greg Golson to their minor league camp.
On Saturday the Phillies lost to the Minnesota Twins 11-2. Adam Eaton put in his bid to remain the fifth starter in the Phillies rotation. He pitched 3 scoreless innings in his first appearance since being diagnosed with a slight herniated disc in his back. After Eaton left the game, the pitching fell apart. In the last 6 innings, the bullpen gave up 11 runs on 13 hits. It seems a little repetitive to say, but Ryan Howard was the bright spot of the game offensively with another home run. The team sent John Ennis and Shane Youman to the minors before the game.
Earlier today the Phillies defeated the Cincinatti Reds 6-2, running their record this spring to 6-12-1. Brett Myers proved why he is a good choice for the opening day start by throwing 7 strong innings allowing 2 runs. Madson and Blackley completed the last two scoreless innings from the bullpen. Madson allowed one hit while also striking out a batter. Blackley did not allow any hits but put a man on base with a walk. Jimmy Rollins, Chase Utley, and Geoff Jenkins each went without a hit. With todays game included, 5 regular players are hitting under .236. Hopefully this is just a case of guys working on mechanics with their swings or trying new things. That is really what the spring is for, getting better and improving an area of one’s game. Still, it is disturbing to see that Rollins, Utley, Burrell, Jenkins, and Victorino are all batting under .236 this spring.
Hopefully things will start to turn around as we see regular starters playing later into games. It is difficult to get a feel for the game when you know that you will only get two at bats and probably get subbed out in the 4th or 5th innings. Now we should see the roster start to resemble the regular season as the team is continuing to cut players back to the minors.
