Justin Crawford hit a 106 MPH triple off Tarik Skubal, officially makes Phillies Opening Day roster

Justin Crawford is going to be the Phillies’ starting center fielder on Opening Day and Friday afternoon he gave everyone a reminder of exactly why.

Facing Tarik Skubal, the reigning AL Cy Young winner and the (second) best pitcher in baseball, Justin Crawford sat back on an 86 mph changeup and lined it into the right field corner at 106 mph off the bat.

He glided into third standing up with a triple. Against the best lefty in the game as a left-handed hitter. Not a bad way to close out Spring Training for the kid.

Justin Crawford laces a triple off Tarik Skubal

"What's it feel like to run like that?"
"I have no idea."

Justin Crawford (@Phillies No. 3 prospect) laces one 106.1 mph down the line in right and glides into third for a triple off reigning Cy Young award winner Tarik Skubal. pic.twitter.com/rNWk3uLJwM

— MLB Pipeline (@MLBPipeline) March 20, 2026

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The Phillies officially informed Crawford on Saturday that he is on the Opening Day roster. That was never really a question for anyone paying attention. There is no other option and there has not been one all Spring.

It has always been Justin Crawford.

The organization committed to him and now they find out what they have and taking a look at the numbers this Spring, they are modest but functional.

Justin Crawford is slashing .277/.320/.383 in 16 games with two RBI, ten runs scored, and three stolen bases through 50 plate appearances.

He has no home runs and nobody expects him to hit them. He has struck out ten times against two walks which is a ratio worth monitoring. But the contact quality has been there and Rob Thomson has been vocal about being impressed with how Crawford controls the strike zone for a 22-year-old.

“He’s controlled the strike zone. His hit ability is unbelievable. He knows where that barrel is, and he makes adjustments in a heartbeat. For a young guy like that, that’s really impressive.”

Justin Crawford swiped 46 bags at Triple-A Lehigh Valley last season and his speed is as legitimate as advertised. He is not going to hurt you in center field. The bat and the discipline are the questions and Spring Training gave the Phillies enough to feel comfortable handing him the job.

Opening Day is Thursday. Justin Crawford is in center field. Sink or swim.

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