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Fan Ejection, Shaky Pitching, Haseley Highlight Phils’ Spring Opener

Bob Wankel

By Bob Wankel

Published:

The Phillies played a baseball game against another team on Sunday afternoon. Few people actually saw it, and most Phillies fans were limited to internet streams of in-play run(s) notifications from MLB Gameday, but it happened.

An exhibition game played on the final day of February means very little, but you know what? Baseball is back, and on a dreary day across the Delaware Valley, the hope brought by a new season — one that fans might get to eventually witness in person — is nothing to scoff at.

Keeping in mind that making any definitive conclusions about a player after their first spring training appearance is insane, let’s talk about what we saw (or didn’t see) during a 10-2 loss down in Lakeland.

Rough Start for Nova

Fortunately for Iván Nova, a pitcher can’t be buried on the basis of his first 27 spring training pitches. Unfortunately for Nova, if a pitcher were to be buried on the basis of his first 27 spring training pitches, his stat line would look something like the one he posted against the Tigers:

0.1 IP, 3H, 5ER, 2BB, 1HR

Nova yielded three hits on his first six pitches, including a blast by leadoff man Will Castro.

Nova’s next 21 pitches weren’t much better, as he would walk two batters and run a full count to Jacoby Jones before recording his first and only out of the inning.

“He was just off a little bit. He wasn’t attacking the zone,” manager Joe Girardi said after the game. “I don’t really make too much of it. First outing, he’s continuing to get his strength and get this crispness of his pitches.”

Things didn’t get much better when 26-year-old Jonathan Hennigan came on in relief. He promptly walked in a pair of runs before allowing a run-scoring single. Hennigan, who would also record just one out, then walked another batter before the opening frame was mercifully killed.

After witnessing that first inning, and a total of four walks from Phillies pitchers that forced in runs, new pitching coach Caleb Cotham may want to consider enjoying a Jai Alai IPA (or five) from Cigar City Brewing tonight.

Adam Haseley Goes Deep

Barring injury, the Phillies lineup looks set, with the lone exception being center field. While the guess here is the team will ultimately use a platoon solution, Girardi is looking for one player to emerge from a crowded mix.

I asked him about the position battle last week. Here’s what he had to say:

You kind of look for one guy to take responsibility and go out and win the job. And keep the job. But if we have to platoon, I’m not against that. If that’s what you have to do, that’s what you have to do. I’m going to give all of these guys the chance to win the everyday job, so we have consistency — a guy who is doing his job offensively, defensively, and being a productive player.

Adam Haseley wasted little time in making an opening statement by launching the second pitch of the game the other way for a leadoff home run:

It was a quiet day for the rest of the field.

Scott Kingery was 0-for-3. Roman Quinn did not play. In the coming days, we will see if the Phillies are even serious about giving Odúbel Herrera a chance.

Former No. 1 overall pick Mickey Moniak faces an uphill battle, but he doubled in his first at-bat.

Gabe Kapler Is Ready For Some Baseball

Old friend Gabe Kapler geared up for the start of his second season with the Giants by sharing a haiku on Twitter.

That’s deep.

Bullpen Battles

The Phillies only have three jobs nailed down in a crowded bullpen battle. Archie Bradley and Hector Neris are locks. José Alvarado figures to hold down a spot.

Beyond those guys, jobs are up for grabs, and there weren’t many strong first impressions made by some long shot types in this one:

  • David Hale, who was acquired via trade from the Yankees last August, allowed a run on two hits and a walk in his lone inning of work. The 33-year-old will have an opportunity to win a low-leverage spot.
  • Bryan Mitchell, who last pitched in the big leagues with the Padres back in 2018, was the most impressive Phils reliever on Sunday afternoon. He worked two clean innings, needing just 25 pitches to do it.
  • Enyel De Los Santos probably won’t be on the Opening Day roster. He struck out the side in his only inning, but he also gave up a pair of hits, including a solo homer.
  • J.D. Hammer was roughed up in his first appearance of the spring. He allowed a solo homer, a single, and three walks, one of which forced in a run.

Fans are Back

A limited number of fans attended the game. One of them didn’t have a very good time. Or maybe he had too good of a time:

Some video:

Still, after a season of cardboard cutouts and fake crowd noise, it was good to see fans at a baseball game.

“I thought it was nice,” Girardi said. “I think the players really appreciate it. Just seeing fans in the stands makes it even better, I think for all of us. We’re just trying to get back to some normalcy in life and to see fans in the stands, it’s a sign, and it’s a good sign.”

Appointment Television

We will get our first look at the Phillies tomorrow afternoon when they face the Orioles at newly-renamed BayCare Ballpark.

Aaron Nola will get the start. First pitch is at 1:05 pm EST. The game will be televised on NBCSP+.

Bob Wankel
Bob Wankel

Bob Wankel covers the Phillies for Crossing Broad. He is also the Vice President of Sports Betting Content at SportRadar. On Twitter: @Bob_Wankel E-mail: b.wankel@sportradar.com

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