What to know about Phillies Spring Training
PHILADELPHIA -- What a fun time for Philadelphia sports fans.
The Phillies took the city on a wildly fun, totally unexpected ride to the World Series last fall. They fell just two victories short of their third world championship in franchise history. But the Eagles rolled through the NFC and play the Chiefs on Sunday in the Super Bowl.
When the Eagles won the 2018 Super Bowl, they had a parade down Broad Street the following Thursday. If they win this Sunday and have another Thursday parade, it would coincide with Phillies pitchers and catchers having their first official workout in Clearwater, Fla.
On that note, here is your Phillies Spring Training FAQ:
When is the first workout for pitchers and catchers?
Feb. 16
What is the date of the first full-squad workout?
Feb. 21
Where is the team’s facility?
BayCare Ballpark and Carpenter Complex in Clearwater, Fla.
Can fans attend workouts?
Yes, fans can attend workouts at Carpenter Complex. BayCare Ballpark is often open for fans to watch batting practice.
Who are some new faces fans should know?
The Phillies made six notable offseason acquisitions who are essentially locks to make the Opening Day roster. The list starts with shortstop Trea Turner, who signed an 11-year, $300 million deal on Dec. 8. Starting pitcher Taijuan Walker; relievers Gregory Soto, Craig Kimbrel and Matt Strahm and utility player Josh Harrison also joined the club.
Who are some of the top prospects invited to Major League camp?
None are bigger than pitchers Andrew Painter, Mick Abel and Griff McGarry. They are three of the Phillies’ top prospects. Painter is the No. 6 prospect in baseball, according to MLB Pipeline. Abel is No. 48.
Painter has a legitimate chance to win a spot on the Phillies’ Opening Day roster. The back-of-the-rotation battle will easily be the most newsworthy roster battle this spring.
Which players will be participating in the World Baseball Classic?
Turner, Kyle Schwarber and J.T. Realmuto will compete for Team USA. Bryce Harper had committed to play for the USA, but he is recovering from Tommy John surgery.
Walker will pitch for Mexico. Ranger Suárez and José Alvarado might pitch for Venezuela. Seranthony Domínguez is scheduled to pitch for the Dominican Republic. Garrett Stubbs will compete with Israel. A full official list is expected this week.
When is the team’s first Grapefruit League game?
The Phillies open the Grapefruit League schedule with a split-squad game on Feb. 25. They host the Yankees at BayCare Ballpark at 1:05 p.m. ET. They also play the Tigers in Lakeland at 1:05 p.m. ET.
Any other notable spring games?
The Phillies are hosting a St. Patrick’s Day split-squad game vs. the Blue Jays on March 17. Historically, Philadelphia has worn green jerseys and caps. It’s typically the most raucous game of the spring, regardless of who is playing.
Will the team’s games be televised?
NBC Sports Philadelphia will broadcast 13 Phillies games this spring, beginning Feb. 25 against the Yankees and ending March 25 against the Yankees. The other 11 games are Feb. 26 (Twins), Feb. 28 (Blue Jays), March 3 (Tigers), March 4 (Pirates), March 9 (Orioles), March 10 (Pirates), March 14 (Braves), March 17 (Blue Jays), March 19 (Red Sox), March 20 (Orioles) and March 23 (Tigers).
When is the club’s last game in Florida?
March 28 vs. the Blue Jays in Clearwater.
Will there be any additional exhibitions before the regular season?
No.
What are the details for Opening Day?
The Phillies will play the Rangers in Texas at 4:05 p.m. ET on March 30. Expect them to face familiar foe Jacob deGrom, who signed with Texas in the offseason.