APRIL 2, 2022•MLB.COM
Wheeler: 'Coming out of it healthy is my biggest thing'CLEARWATER, Fla. -- Zack Wheeler said he is healthy, and that is the most important thing with Opening Day less than a week away. Not everyb...
Zack Wheeler - Tosses 45 pitches SaturdayWheeler (shoulder) threw 45 pitches during his start in an intrasquad matchup Saturday, Todd Zolecki of MLB.com reports.
ImpactDespite being delayed in camp due to shoulder soreness, Wheeler has been building up recently and should avoid a trip to the injured list to begin the 2022 campaign. Manager Joe Girardi is hopeful that the right-hander will be able to throw around 60 pitches during a start in Lakeland on Thursday, and Wheeler is then expected to make his 2022 debut against the Mets on April 12.
APRIL 2, 2022•ROTOWIRE
Brad Hand - Velocity down in spring gamesHand has sat around 90 to 91 mph with his fastball this spring, below his average of 93 mph last season, Matt Gelb of The Athletic reports.
ImpactIt's possible this is nothing to worry about, as pitchers are frequently below their usual velocity numbers in spring, due either to their lack of adrenaline in exhibition contests or to the fact that they're still building up to full strength. This year's shortened spring training could make that an even more common problem. Still, the Phillies would certainly prefer to see Hand at his usual velocity as soon as possible. His chances of overtaking Corey Knebel on the closer depth chart would take a hit if he's unable to get back to the 93 mph range.
APRIL 2, 2022•ROTOWIRE
Trey Mancini - Projected to DH oftenMancini is hitting .261 (6-for-23) with two doubles, two RBI and a run scored in nine Grapefruit League games.
ImpactMancini is penciled in as the Orioles' primary designated hitter this season, though there's also a decent chance he draws time at first base if Ryan Mountcastle needs to rest his legs. Regardless of if he plays the field or not, Mancini can be expected to play nearly every day after posting a .255/.326/.432 slash line with 21 home runs, 71 RBI and 77 runs scored in 147 contests last season. The 30-year-old could also see some time in the corner outfield positions, though Austin Hays, Cedric Mullins and Anthony Santander will be the usual outfield options from left to right.
APRIL 2, 2022•ROTOWIRE
Ryan Mountcastle - Homers in Friday's winMountcastle went 1-for-3 with a two-run home run in Friday's 3-2 win over the Phillies.
ImpactMountcastle is in fine form in spring training, going 7-for-20 with two home runs, a double, four RBI and four runs scored through eight games. He's seen time at first base and left field in his two MLB seasons, though he's expected to get the majority of his playing time at first base going forward. Mountcastle and Trey Mancini may alternate at designated hitter as well, but both should be expected to play nearly every day. Mountcastle emerged as a solid power bat with 33 home runs, 89 RBI, 77 runs scored, four stolen bases and a .255/.309/.487 slash line in 144 contests in 2021.
APRIL 2, 2022•ROTOWIRE
Zack Wheeler - Pitching in intrasquad gameWheeler (shoulder), who was scheduled to start Saturday's Grapefruit League matchup against the Blue Jays, will now start in an intrasquad game, Alex Coffey of The Philadelphia Inq...
ImpactWheeler has been behind schedule in camp due to shoulder soreness that he dealt with earlier this spring, and his pitching plans will be slightly revised Saturday due to the threat of inclement weather. He threw 42 pitches during a bullpen session last week, and it's possible that he'll avoid a trip to the injured list if Saturday's throwing session is successful.
APRIL 2, 2022•ROTOWIRE
Taking Stock of Stott's Rookie of the Year ChancesThe Philadelphia Phillies young infielder set the spring on fire, could he be eying Rookie of the Year next?
APRIL 2, 2022•KANSASCITY.COM
