MARCH 11, 2021•FREEP.COM
Michael Fulmer crushed, Tarik Skubal strong in Detroit Tigers' 10-6 loss to Blue JaysMichael Fulmer got shelled for seven runs in the Detroit Tigers' 10-6 loss to the Toronto Blue Jays. But lefty Tarik Skubal was excellent.
Leading candidate for bench roleJoyce has a strong chance to win a bench spot this spring, Matt Gelb of The Athletic reports.
ImpactJoyce is in camp as a non-roster invitee, but he made Gelb's projected Opening Day roster, which is based on conversations with scouts and team officials. Joyce won't be stealing many at-bats in the outfield corners from Bryce Harper and Andrew McCutchen, but he fits in well as a pinch hitter. He'll have to do enough in camp to convince the Phillies to designate someone for assignment to make room for him, but starting spring training by going 5-for-10 with three walks certainly doesn't hurt.
MARCH 11, 2021•ROTOWIRE
Not ready to play outfieldHarper isn't expected to play the field until sometime next week, Matt Gelb of The Athletic reports.
ImpactHarper dealt with back issues last season and has been brought along cautiously in camp, with his Grapefruit League appearances all coming as a designated hitter thus far. The Phillies haven't expressed much concern, but the way they're treating the star slugger nevertheless seems telling. It's possible Harper sees more frequent off days than he's used to this year as the Phillies strive to ensure his back problems don't reach the point that he needs to miss an extended period. It's also possible that this is simply standard spring caution and that Harper will be treated normally once the regular season begins.
MARCH 11, 2021•ROTOWIRE
Out until late MarchMarchan's hamstring issue will keep him out until at least the last week of March, Matt Gelb of The Athletic reports.
ImpactIf healthy, Marchan could potentially be needed at the start of the season, as J.T. Realmuto hopes to be ready to go following his fractured thumb but still hasn't gotten into game action. Marchan is the only other backstop on the 40-man roster besides Andrew Knapp. Non-roster invitee Jeff Mathis could make the team if neither Realmuto nor Marchan are cleared to play, but the Phillies would certainly prefer not to have to open a 40-man roster spot just to add a backup catcher for a week or two.
MARCH 11, 2021•ROTOWIRE
On roster bubbleCoonrod may be on the outside looking in on Opening Day, Matt Gelb of The Athletic reports.
ImpactThe Phillies acquired Coonrod in exchange for their 2020 fourth-round pick Carson Ragsdale in January. He still has options remaining and owns a career 5.74 ERA, so while the team must have seen something in him to bother trading for him, he's certainly not a lock to win a job. Gelb's latest roster projection, based on conversations with scouts and team officials, has Coonrod losing the battle to JoJo Romero for one of the final bullpen spots. Which pitcher wins the job may depend in part on how many southpaws the Phillies want to carry; Coonrod throws right-handed, while Romero is a lefty.
MARCH 11, 2021•ROTOWIRE
Clear shot at bullpen spotKintzler's bullpen spot appears to be very safe despite the fact that he's in camp as a non-roster invitee, Matt Gelb of The Athletic reports.
ImpactLooking at Kintzler's 12 saves and 2.22 ERA for the Marlins last season, it's something of a surprise the veteran had to settle for a minor-league deal. His underlying numbers weren't nearly so convincing, however, as his 13.9 percent strikeout rate and 10.9 percent walk rate were both poor, and his 57.3 percent groundball rate, while strong, wouldn't typically be enough to overcome them. Kintzler appears to be firmly in the Phillies' plans this season, however, especially as he's reportedly throwing harder than he did last year. He isn't a favorite to save games at the moment, but he has plenty of experience in the role and could be called on at some point if the Phillies' top relievers struggle.
MARCH 11, 2021•ROTOWIRE
Potential setup manBrogdon is seen as a potential setup man by the Phillies this season, Matt Gelb of The Athletic reports.
ImpactBrogdon flashed plenty of potential during his 11.1-inning debut last season, posting a 3.97 ERA and 0.88 WHIP. His 38.6 percent strikeout rate proved to be more than enough to overcome his 11.4 percent walk rate and 36.4 percent groundball rate. Brogdon's inexperience means he's clearly behind Hector Neris and Archie Bradley in the battle for the closer job, but it's not out of the question that he could push for saves at some point if he excels while those two struggle.
MARCH 11, 2021•ROTOWIRE
