News: Roster battles, spring training in final days
Really nobody pitched well against the Blue Jays’ starters, as Troy Tulowitzki and Josh Donaldson hit home runs to fuel the Toronto attack.
For the Phils offense, Howie Kendrick had himself a game, hitting a double and a triple, while Daniel Nava went 2-for-3 to raise his spring average to .385.
ROSTER TALK: That bodes well for him, as he and Brock Stassi are ostensibly fighting for the final bench spot. That was made more clear when the Phillies released Chris Coghlan Tuesday, then traded Alec Asher to Baltimore to free up a 40-man roster spot. One would think Jesmuel Valentin, already on the 40-man roster, has the inside track for the fourth bench spot.
The Phils also told a bunch of players they wouldn’t make the team (but can stay at major league camp through the end). Those guys: Pedro Florimon, Hoby Milner (the returned Rule 5 pick), Pat Venditte, Cesar Ramos, Colton Murray.
ROLLINS’ FUTURE: Jimmy Rollins likely won’t make the cut in Giants camp. The 38-year-old hit just .125 this spring; he may ask for his release if he feels there’s a job out there for him.
TODAY’S GAMES: For some reason the Phillies are splitting the squad today (weird for late in spring). Half the team will play Pittsburgh at 1:05 p.m., while the other half takes on Detroit at 1:05 p.m. Starters are currently scheduled to be Luis Garcia and Joely Rodriguez, respectively, both fighting for a bullpen job. I’d assume Jeremy Hellickson will also pitch in one of those games.
