Phillies Notebook: Outfield depth has Rob Thomson feeling confident
Phillies Notebook: Outfield depth has Rob Thomson feeling confident The Philadelphia Phillies have informed weak-hitting outfielder Johan Rojas not to take it personally if he is used as a pinch-hit for him due to a poor performance in the 2023 playoffs. Manager Rob Thomson expressed confidence in the team's depth, citing the number of options available. Despite another shoulder injury for Taijuan Walker, who begins the season on the 15-day injury list, there are no major concerns about the starting pitching staff. Spencer Turnbull, who previously lost 17 of 20 decisions as a starter in Detroit, has been offered a chance to become the fifth starter until Walker returns. Zack Wheeler will continue to be the rotation, while Dylan Covey, Orion Kerkering, Michael Rucker, and Taijan Walker will start the year on the injured list.
gepubliceerd : 4 weken geleden door Bob Grotz in Sports
The Phillies have enough depth, so they’ve informed weak-hitting outfielder Johan Rojas not to take it personally if they pinch-hit for him.
Rojas was a liability at the plate in the 2023 playoffs as he batted .093. The Phillies were conflicted about keeping the defensive star around after he batted .170 in spring training.
“I’ve talked to Johan about it and I’ve talked to a few people about it,” Phil manager Rob Thomson said Thursday. “We’ve got so much depth now. We’ve got so many options. Maybe you’ve got (Brandon) Marsh on the bench or you’ve got Whit (Merrifield) on the bench. Those are guys that I feel really confident with taking out a really good at bat. Even against a right-handed pitcher for Whit.”
For now, there are no major concerns about the starting pitching staff despite another shoulder injury for Taijuan Walker, who begins the season on the 15-day injury list.
Offseason acquisition Spencer Turnbull, who once lost 17 of 20 decisions as a starter in Detroit, gets a chance to become the fifth starter until Walker returns. That will keep staff ace Zack Wheeler in his usual spot in the rotation.
“Right now Spencer is throwing kind of a simulated game in the bullpen without hitters standing in,” Thomson said. “So, he’s lined up. Wheeler will now stay in turn, and he’ll go in game six.”
Wheeler will also go in Game 1 Friday, as the one-day-delayed Opening Day starter against the Braves. As for Game 5 next week, Thomson hopes Turnbull will give the Phillies about five innings with up to 85 pitches.
In addition to Walker, right-handers Dylan Covey (right shoulder strain), Orion Kerkering (right forearm strain) and Michael Rucker (right hand arterial vasospasm) will start the year on the 15-day injured list.
The Phillies got some good news about Kerkering, who hit 98 mph on the radar gun throwing seven pitches in a game in Florida. The plan is for him to throw again Saturday as well as next Tuesday, the latter at Lehigh Valley. He’s on track to return around the second week of April, barring a setback.
“It’s due to fatigue, and he’s fine,” Thomson said. “We don’t have any concerns.”
Walker played catch Wednesday per Thomson and on Thursday was slated to throw from 120 feet. If he feels right, he’ll throw a bullpen Saturday.
“He’s moving along,” Thomson said. “He says he feels good and we’ll just keep moving forward as long as he feels that way.”
The Phillies’ 26-man roster includes 13 pitchers (five lefties, eight righties), two catchers, five infielders, four outfielders, one utility player and one designated hitter.
15-day injured list: RHP’s Dylan Covey (right shoulder strain), Orion Kerkering (right forearm strain), Michael Rucker (right hand arterial vasospasm) and Taijuan Walker (right shoulder soreness).
Onderwerpen: Baseball, MLB, Philadelphia Phillies