Initial Thoughts on Philadelphia Phillies First Spring Training Game
The Philadelphia Phillies had their first competitive action of the spring when they defeated the New York Yankees 7-4 in Grapefruit League action on Saturday. Most of the Phillies starters sat this one out, which is not unusual considering how early it is in spring.
But names like Alec Bohm, Brandon Marsh, and Edmundo Sosa each got in a couple of at-bats before being pulled.
Marsh started off his promising spring going 2-for-2 with a walk. The center fielder is looking to improve on his 2022 MLB season, in which he was traded from the Los Angeles Angels to Philadelphia at the trade deadline.
The most impressive performance at the plate was Weston Wilson, who also went 2-for-2 with four RBIs, a walk, and a home run. Wilson signed a minor league contract with the Phillies last month and is seen as a longshot to make the roster.
However, of he continues to string together performances like Saturday's, it will be hard to deny the 28-year-old third baseman.
On the mound, Nick Nelson looked good for his one inning of work all factors considered. Being so early, his command and control was a little off, but he worked through traffic to complete a scoreless inning.
Nelson is competing for the fifth spot in the rotation as well as a spot on the 26-man roster.
Perhaps the most impressive feat of the afternoon was that Philadelphia violated exactly zero violations of the newly imposed rules from MLB.
The Phillies will suit up against the Minnesota Twins on Sunday afternoon at 1:05 p.m. EST while shortstop Trea Turner makes his debut for Philadelphia.
More From SI's Inside The Phillies:
- Phillies Star Bryce Harper Doesn't Hold Back on Thoughts About Joe Girardi
- How Mike Trout Will Join the Phillies
- Could Bryce Harper's Favorite MLB Player Join the Philadelphia Phillies in 2023?
- Could The Phillies Soon Be Playing in Wawa Park?
- Bryce Harper-Obsessed Japanese Baseball Star Wants to Play for Phillies
- Six Philadelphia Phillies Declare Free Agency
- Rumored Phillies Free Agent Target Just Opted Out of Contract
- Jimmy Rollins Describes Disrespectful Treatment by Ryne Sandberg
- Phillies Release 2023 Regular Season Schedule
- Picking the Phillies' All-Time Single Season Lineup
Make sure to follow Inside the Phillies on Substack and Twitter!
