Bullpen sessions, new numbers and all the sights and sounds from day 1 of Phillies spring training
CLEARWATER, Fla. — Wednesday marked the first day of Phillies spring training in Clearwater. Everyone who was supposed to be there was, including a few position players who have arrived early.
Position players that have already reported include Bryson Stott, Alec Bohm, Brandon Marsh, Johan Rojas, Weston Wilson, Darick Hall and Carlos De La Cruz.
It was a relatively quiet day. Zack Wheeler, Ranger Suárez, Orion Kerkering and Taijuan Walker were among the pitchers who threw bullpen sessions in full uniform. Other pitchers who weren’t scheduled to throw off the mound participated in PFPs (pitcher fielding practice).
Once again, Phillies spring training icon Larry Bowa showed up to camp in the best shape of his life:
Former 2015 Phillies teammates Aaron Nola and David Buchanan had a catch on the backfields:
I Can’t See
Wednesday was the first chance for fans to get their eyes on the new Fanatics-produced Nike jerseys the players will be wearing in 2024. At first glance, it’s stunning how much of a disaster this is.
Anyone can recognize Wheeler as he walks to the mound in his pinstripe jersey that bears the No. 45. But as someone who was standing a matter of feet away from Wheeler, I couldn’t clearly read the nameplate.
I’m not a total idiot. I know the jersey says “Wheeler” above the 45, but the nameplate is just way too small. Once again, Michael Rubin and Fanatics has taken something sacred to sports fans and turned it into another cheap piece of fabric that people will pay for anyway because they are dupes.
It’s easy to wonder if the bad press is enough for something to be done. Photos of the Cardinals new uniform emerged on Twitter earlier this week alongside comments from a player on how they look “cheap.”
Fanatics doesn’t care about consumers, but Rubin does care about the way he is perceived by multi-millionaire athletes. Maybe something changes. Maybe it doesn’t and we’re left to spend thousands of hours of our lives starring at these monstrosities.
New Numbers
- Jeff Hoffman switched his number from 68 to 23. Kody Clemens wore No. 23 in 2023. He switched to 2. No. 2 was previously worn by Josh Harrison.
- The Phillies’ reported agreement with starter Spencer Turnbull is not yet official, but he will wear No. 22. The 40-man roster is full, so the team will have to make a move to get Turnbull on the roster.
Other Notes
- Rob Thomson reiterated that Brandon Marsh (left knee surgery) is expected to be ready for Opening Day. Thomson also said he’ll eventually get into games this spring.
- Pitchers in camp who are getting stretched out to start include Turnbull, Kolby Allard, Nick Nelson and Buchanan. All are expected to be depth starters who will likely begin the season in Triple A.