Notes: Kingery back in swing; Neris returns

PHILADELPHIA -- Scott Kingery swung the bat well in Wednesday night’s scrimmage at Citizens Bank Park. He homered in Tuesday’s scrimmage.

He seems to be moving toward a spot in the Opening Day lineup on July 24.

“Yes, absolutely,” Phillies manager Joe Girardi said.

Kingery missed the first few days of workouts because of COVID-19. He DH’d the past two scrimmages but is expected to play second base Thursday.

“If he doesn't feel that his legs and lungs are under him enough, then we'll DH him again,” Girardi said. “But each day he has felt better.”

• Wearing mask, Gregorius focused on safety

Neris is back
Héctor Neris made his first appearance after opening Summer Camp on the 10-day injured list. He said he did not test positive for COVID-19.

Regardless, he has less time than others to get ready for Opening Day.

“He looked pretty good,” Girardi said. “I think he is [good for Opening Day]. Obviously, he's got a couple more appearances and we'll make an evaluation. But I feel good about him being on track.”

Protect those signs
Phillies pitchers and catchers had cards in their back pockets Wednesday. They referred to them throughout the scrimmage, using them it seems as a means to change signs.

“We're going to do everything we can to protect our signs,” Girardi said. “We have a system that we're using, so yes.”

Extra bases
• Right-hander Zach Eflin threw a bullpen session Wednesday. Girardi said it went well. Eflin, who missed time last week because of back spasms, will throw a simulated game Saturday.

• Right-hander Aaron Nola will start Saturday’s exhibition game against the Nationals in Washington.

• Right-handers Jake Arrieta, Nick Pivetta, Spencer Howard, Enyel De Los Santos, Victor Arano and Reggie McClain and left-hander Damon Jones are scheduled to pitch in Thursday’s scrimmage.

• Left-hander Austin Davis and catcher Rafael Marchan will join the 60-man player pool Thursday, according to Girardi.

Girardi raved about Marchan in Spring Training.

“He’s the block master,” he said at the time. “The master.”