CLEARWATER, Fla. -- Gabe Kapler's first camp with the Phillies has been unlike any in recent memory.
Kapler had umpires behind the plate at February bullpen sessions, wing-eating contests, the musical stylings of John Lee Hooker and others filling the hallways at Spectrum Field, talent shows, Jason Kelce and good-luck wishes from Carson Wentz and Justin Timberlake. He hit the pitcher eighth and shifted Rhys Hoskins from left field to right midgame in preparation for a season that should "be bold" to say the least. It seemed everybody played everywhere in the field, as the Phillies have made versatility a priority.
And now the real fun starts.
Opening Day is Thursday against the Braves at SunTrust Park in Atlanta. Only three of the eight position players from last season's opening lineup -- Maikel Franco, Cesar Hernandez and Odubel Herrera -- are expected to start. Perhaps only 11 players from last year's Opening Day roster will be on this one.
Here are some things Phillies fans need to know:
Projected Opening Day lineup

1. Cesar Hernandez, 2B
   
2. Carlos Santana, 1B
   
3. Odubel Herrera, CF
   
4. Rhys Hoskins, LF
   
5. Nick Williams, RF
   
6. Maikel Franco, 3B
   
7. Jorge Alfaro, C
   
8. Aaron Nola, P
   
9. J.P. Crawford, SS
   Key roles
   • Aaron Altherr and Williams are expected to share time in right field, although Altherr could see action everywhere because he is a good defender. But playing time in right seems likely to be based on matchups. For example, Williams could start Opening Day because Altherr is just 2-for-16 (.125) with one home run, three walks and nine strikeouts in his career against Braves starter Julio Teheran.
   • Right-hander Hector Neris opens as the Phillies' closer, but it will be interesting to see how much Kapler sticks to traditional roles. It would not be a surprise to see Neris getting big outs in the eighth and somebody else pitching the ninth.
   • Nola, Jacob Arrieta, Nick Pivetta and Vince Velasquez are in the rotation, but the No. 5 spot is undetermined. Ben Lively, Zach Eflin and perhaps Andrew Hutchison could take that job.

Injury updates
• Arrieta is not injured, but he is behind schedule after signing on March 12. He is penciled in to pitch Tuesday's Grapefruit League finale and a simulated game next week -- either in New York or Clearwater. He will join the rotation on April 8 against the Marlins at Citizens Bank Park.
• Right-hander Jerad Eickhoff is recovering from a strained right lat and is out until at least May.
• Right-hander Mark Leiter has a strained flexor pronator in his right arm and could return in late April/early May.