The week-long series with the Red Wings of Rochester continues this weekend. Here’s what you need to know if you’re following the team or going to the games:
Too Much Winning
The early success of the team through the first series and a half of the season was sure to come to an end. The nemesis Red Wings did just that taking the first two games of the series before getting rolled last night. And while we might lament the missing players who are trying to come back from injuries (Keaton Anthony, foot, Aidan Miller, back, Gabriel Rincones Jr, knee) we do have some guys in the lineup who are playing hard, doing the right things, and trying to impress the Phillies enough to make a move.
As The Roster Turns
The opening, pinned, ROSTER POST has been updated with the latest information.
- OF Cade Fergus has been off, and on, and back on, the Development List
- RHP Orion Kerkering completed his rehab assignment and was reinstated on the Phillies
- To make room, LHP Kyle Backhus, the side-winding reliever, was optioned to the IronPigs. He was activated two days ago and made his debut with the Pigs Thursday night.
- SS Jose Rodriguez was transferred from the 7-Day to the 60-Day Injured List. As far as organizational roster spots, we are at the maximum. Expect to see some 60-Day guys moved to “Full Season” if needed and they’re not expected back.
- C Renee Pinto is on the 7-Day Injured List
- RHP Mitch Neunborn has been sent to AA-Reading.
- Phillies receive OF Steward Berroa in a cash trade with Milwaukee. He’s on the 40-man and was optioned to Lehigh Valley. He’ll be active Friday night. We hope this doesn’t signal poor prognosis for Rincones and Anthony.
- C Garrett Stubbs hasn’t been in the lineup for a couple days. One wonders if he’s been jetting across the country just in case Realmuto is more hurt than we think. As the Phillies return home and Realmuto expects to play Friday night, expect Stubbs back in the Lehigh Valley.
- MLB Rehabber Zack Wheeler looked good the other night. His fastball is still a couple clicks off, but his secondaries were baffling Red Wing hitters. He probably needs one more start, which could come on Tuesday in St Paul (Pigs) or Somerset (Reading). Interestingly, Stew Berroa was given Zack’s IronPigs’ uniform numbeer. Hmm. (Could be Florida on Monday; haven’t seen a plan.)
Reminder: click through to the roster post for player capsules and a printable roster.
Reyes Watch
1B/LF/DH Felix Reyes has been one to watch this young season. He’s hitting .346 in Home Games while OPSing .910. Versus lefties he’s hitting .400 with a 1.133 OPS. He’s been getting time at the three positions listed above. We saw one poor play in LF during the opening series, but he had a nice play in the outfield the other night (photo below). Given our injuries and the slow start of a couple of these other players, he’s a guy you can come to the games and take a look at. If they think LF is realistic for him in the Big Leagues, they probably need to start having him dedicate more time out there in games, right now.
Taking it one step further: Kieboom has been a liability at third. Put him at First, Cairo at third and Peggy at second with Alcantara at shortstop. BTW, Pigs are 5-0 when Alcantara plays shortstop.
Weekend at the Park
6:35PM First Pitch on Friday and Saturday, 1:15PM Sunday.
Gates: 5:15PM Friday and Saturday, 12:00 Sunday. 15 Minutes earlier for Clubs and Suites.
Promotions:
Friday: Post-Game Fireworks, “Club PIG”
Saturday: Coquis
Sunday: Post-Game Kids Run The Bases
Pitching Matchups:
Date Time
4/10 6:35 p.m. RHP Connor Gillispie (2-0, 0.00) vs. rhp luis perales (0-1, 6.23)
4/11 6:35 p.m. RHP Ryan Cusick (0-0, 5.63) vs. rhp andry lara (0-1, 7.50)
4/12 1:15 p.m. LHP Tucker Davidson (0-0, 0.00) vs. rhp riley cornelio (1-0, 2.89)
Weather:
Friday: Pushing 70 at game time, but you’ll need a hoodie by the end.
Saturday: Back to high-50s at game time, but less windy.
Sunday: 55 and clear at game time. Less wind.
See you at the park,
@Kram207
Reminder: Enter your email below to subscribe to these posts.