Rhys Hoskins returns to the lineup, Taijuan Walker makes his Phillies debut, and some Spring Training notes
Phillies 1B Rhys Hoskins is set to make his 2023 debut today after recovering from offseason meniscus surgery.
Along with Rhys Hoskins’ spring debut, Phillies pitcher Taijuan Walker will make his debut in red pinstripes today. Walker is set to throw two innings for the Phils.
Rhys Hoskins Returns to the Phillies Lineup
Lineup notes: John Hicks gets the start over at first base, while Rhys Hoskins will DH in his first game of the spring. Dalton Guthrie, Brandon Marsh, and Nick Castellanos will round out the outfield, while Edmundo Sosa and Trea Turner will take over the middle infield for the day. Bryson Stott, Schwarber, and Alec Bohm get the day off.
Meanwhile, today’s Detroit Tigers are the Phillies 2.0. Nick Maton, Matt Vierling, Cesar Hernandez, and Donny Sands are all in the starting lineup.
Some Recent Spring Training Notes
Andrew Painter: Painter looked composed. We can talk about the new cutter or the offspeed, or the first five fastballs, all being 98+, but the way Painter composed himself as a 19-year-old in his debut was fascinating
Jake Cave: Jake Cave is doing everything he can right now to make the team. He’s been the best all-around hitter on the team so far after coming off a broken back in 2021. Expect Cave to make the team if he keeps it up for the rest of the time in Clearwater.
Griff McGarry: McGarry got roughed up yesterday, which wasn’t fun to watch, but don’t get too far over your head. Major league debuts can be a lot, even if it’s Spring Training. McGarry’s stuff flashed; some pitches just didn’t go the way he wanted to. It’s one game.
Darick Hall: Darick has been fantastic so far this spring. He’s hitting the ball the other way at times, not trying to crush everything onto the highway in right field. The Phillies are going to need a consistent DH, and if Hall is ready to hit lefties, he’s going to make the team on March 30th.
The Bench: The Phillies bench guys, or fringe bench guys, have been the best hitters this Spring Training. That usually happens due to these guys solidifying their spots on the team, but it’s good to see. Edmundo Sosa, Josh Harrison, Kody Clemens, Jake Cave, and Scott Kingery are all hitting the ball well.
