Phillies general manager Matt Klentak spoke to reporters for about 20 minutes this afternoon, so I come to you with some news and notes on this fine Tuesday.

But first, here is Bryce Harper going deep during a live at-bat against Ramon Rosso:

As for Klentak, he cleared up some of the team’s lingering medical questions:

  • Adam Haseley is in camp. He never tested positive for coronavirus but was kept away from the team due to a lab error in which the Phillies never received the results of his intake test. Haseley is expected to compete with Roman Quinn for playing time in centerfield this season.

 

  • Scott Kingery and Tommy Hunter each tested positive for coronavirus, according to Klentak. “They’re both feeling very good right now, which is obviously the most important thing” he said. “They still have to pass consecutive tests and follow the rest of the protocols before they return, but the fact they’re both feeling good bodes well for their timeframes.” Klentak declined to provide a specific timetable on either player’s return.

 

  • Phillies coaches Rob Thomson, Jim Gott, and Greg Brodzinski each tested positive. Klentak says Thomson, 56, and Gott, 60, are eager to get back but noted the organization would support any player or coach who opts out. “If anyone in the organization felt unsafe or felt they wanted to opt out, then the organization would support that,” he said.

 

  • Speaking of opting out, reliever Francisco Liriano has been away from the team in recent days. While Klentak and manager Joe Girardi had both previously said they did not expect any players to opt-out, Liriano is currently assessing the situation. “There is no COVID update there. He is really evaluating the situation and whether he wants to play or not, and I don’t know exactly where that’s going to go,” Klentak said.

 

  • Closer Hector Neris is back in camp. He has completed protocols and is ready to go.

 

  • While Girardi tried to temper expectations about Aaron Nola’s return yesterday, Klentak said the staff ace looked “great” in his bullpen. For now, he seems on track to start the July 24 season opener against the Marlins.

One other quick note–the Phillies confirmed they will play three exhibition games. They will be at Washington on 7/18, home against Baltimore on 7/19, and close out the quick exhibition schedule on 7/20 up in New York against the Yankees.