Phils Add Batting Champ Arraez, Pair of Relievers at Trade Deadline

President of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski had a busy Monday, making two major trades and two minor trades as the Phillies look for a push to get them back to the postseason.

2026 Topps #420

2023 Topps Heritage #92

2026 Choice Jersey Shore BlueClaws #22

2026 Choice Clearwater Threshers #12

Arraez, Kilian Acquired from Giants:  The first trade unofficially and then officially announced was the acquisition of Luis Arraez (2b) and Caleb Kilian (rhp) from the Giants in exchange to minor leaguers Ramon Marquez (rhp) and Marty Gair (rhp).

Arraez will play second base for the Phillies, which means Bryson Stott will likely move over to third, Alec Bohm will shift to first and Bryce Harper will temporarily return to right field.  Arraez has already won three batting titles (2022, 2023, 2024), and he's currently the National League batting leader with a .324 average.  He's a four-time All-Star who has often been on the move, spending time with the Twins (2019-22), Marlins (2023-24), Padres (2024-25) and Giants.  Caleb Kilian appeared in eight games for the Cubs between 2022 and 2024, but he's found success so far this season out of the Giants' bullpen.  He's 3-6 with a 4.26 ERA in 44 1/3 innings pitched with eight saves.  Kilian is still a rookie, so the Phillies have him under team control for the foreseeable future.

Marquez was the Phillies' No. 4 ranked prospect in their system and Gair was not ranked.  Still only 20 years old, Marquez was a combined 6-1 with a 1.68 ERA and 93 strikeouts in 59 innings pitched at Jersey Shore and Clearwater.

To make room on the 40-man roster for Arraez and Kilian, Lou Trivino III (rhp) and Payton Henry (c) were designated for assignment.

2023 Topps Update #US43

2026 Choice Jersey Shore BlueClaws #30

2026 Choice Jersey Shore BlueClaws #16

Raley Joins 'Pen from Mets:  Next, the Phillies acquired Brooks Raley (lhp) from the Mets in exchange for minor leaguers Luke Gabrysh (rhp) and John Spikerman (of).  Nolan Hoffman (rhp) was designated for assignment to make room for Raley on the roster.  Raley is a veteran of nine big league seasons, and he's been with the Mets since 2023.  He's got a 1.96 ERA in 41 1/3 innings pitched so far this year.  Spikerman was the team's 27th ranked top prospect and Gabrysh was not ranked.

2026 Topps #666

2025 Topps #362

2026 Topps #213

Hoffman, Johnson Shipped Out:  Hoffman, DFA'd a few hours earlier, was dealt to the Royals for minor leaguer Manuel Colon (rhp).  Hoffman pitched in four games for the Phillies between this and last season, with no record and a 7.94 ERA in 5 2/3 innings pitched.  Colon, just 19 years old, has yet to appear on any baseball cards.

At the 6pm trade deadline buzzer, Seth Johnson (rhp) was traded to the Athletics for Colby Thomas (of).  Johnson appeared in 27 games for the Phillies over the past three seasons, and was 2-2 with a 7.18 ERA in 31 1/3 innings pitched.  Thomas has played in 104 games with the A's, batting .214 with 10 home runs and 30 RBIs, while playing mostly right field.

Game 90 - Phils Can't Back Nola's Solid Outing

Philadelphia Phillies	2
Kansas City Royals	5

2023 Philadelphia Phillies Photocards

Sunday Afternoon, July 5th

Kauffman Stadium - Kansas City, MO
50-40, 2nd Place, 3 games behind the Braves

One Sentence Summary:  Aaron Nola had his best start of the season, but the Phillies couldn't generate much offense and the bullpen faltered late in this 5-2 loss to the Royals.

What It Means:  The Phillies will try for the series win this afternoon with All-Star Cristopher Sanchez on the mound.

What Happened:  Nola gave up two runs in the first inning, and it looked as if he was going to labor through another start, resulting in another early hook.  But he settled in, allowing just one more run over seven innings of work, walking none and striking out seven.  The bullpen combo of Seth Johnson and Kyle Backhus, surprisingly used in a high leverage scenario, couldn't get their jobs done, allowing two more Royals runs to score in the bottom of the eighth, in what had been a one-run game.  

Both Phillies runs scored without a hit - Gabriel Rincones, Jr. hit a sacrifice fly in the fifth and Garrett Stubbs grounded into a fielder's choice in the seventh.  Trea Turner, Kyle Schwarber and Bryce Harper were 0 for 11 with five strikeouts at the top of the order.

Featured Card:  In a pregame ceremony, the Royals inducted John Wathan, their long-time catcher, coach and manager, into the Royals Hall of Fame.  His son Dusty, now the Phillies' bench coach, was on hand to witness the ceremony and catch a ceremonial first pitch from his father.  I'm currently the top ranked Dusty Wathan collector according to TCDB, based on the fact he's been a Phillies coach since 2018 and a Phillies minor league manager and coach since 2008.  This is the most recent team-issued photo card the Phillies have issued for Wathan, as far as I'm aware, and his most recent baseball card appearance overall.

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Game 89 - Phils Celebrate Semiquincentennial with Win

Philadelphia Phillies	6
Kansas City Royals	1

2023 Topps Pro Debut #PD-134

Saturday Night, July 4th

Kauffman Stadium - Kansas City, MO
50-39, 2nd Place, 3 games behind the Braves

One Sentence Summary:  Jesus Luzardo pitched six strong innings and the Phillies hit three home runs to support his effort in this Independence Day win over the Royals.

What It Means:  Baseball games that fall on national holidays should be played during the day.  (Insert Man Yells at Cloud meme here.)

What Happened:  Luzardo improved to 7-4, allowing four hits and a run while striking out nine.  The Phillies' offense went 1 for 10 with runners in scoring position, but still produced with home runs from J.T. Realmuto, Gabriel Rincones, Jr. and Alec Bohm.  The only runs to score without the benefit of a home run came on a wild pitch in the seventh and an RBI double from Rincones in the eighth.  On the night he was named a reserve to the All-Star Team, Kyle Schwarber went 3 for 4.  Starting All-Star outfielder Brandon Marsh was 0 for 5.  Also named to the National League All-Stars were Bryce Harper, Cristopher Sanchez and Jhoan Duran.

Featured Card:  This was Rincones' best game in the majors to date, so I'll give him the nod over Luzardo here.  This is one of the earliest cards of his in my Phillies Collection, from the 2023 Topps Pro Debut set.

Transaction:  With bullpen arms needed, the Phillies optioned Alan Rangel (rhp) back to Lehigh Valley and recalled Tanner Banks (lhp).

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Game 83 - Rain, Bullpen, Lack of Offense Doom Phils

Philadelphia Phillies	2
New York Mets	6

2023 Topps Update #US90

Saturday Afternoon, June 27th

Citi Field - Flushing, NY
46-37, 2nd Place, 4 games behind the Braves

One Sentence Summary:  A four-run sixth inning sunk the Phillies in this 6-2 loss to the Mets.

What It Means:  The Phillies would look to take the series on Sunday afternoon with Jesus Luzardo on the mound.

What Happened:  After an hour-plus rain delay, both teams looked slow out of the gate.  The Phillies scored their two runs in the top of the third when Bryce Harper hit his 19th home run of the season following a walk to Trea Turner.  They'd have only three more singles after Harper's homer.  Tim Mayza again opened, pitching 1 1/3 scoreless innings and Alan Rangel went four innings, departing in the sixth after Francisco Lindor had hit a two-run triple to tie the game.  Jonathan Bowlan entered and allowed both inherited runners from Rangel to score, giving the Mets a 4-2 lead.  Kyle Backhus would give up two more runs in the seventh.

Featured Card:  Nothing much doing in this game, but it was reported on Saturday the Phillies had signed former Met Tommy Pham to a minor league contract.  Pham is 38 years old, a veteran of 13 big league seasons and will serve as some AAA outfield depth.  He appeared in nine games earlier this season with the Mets, going 0 for 13 with seven strikeouts.  The Phillies would be his 11th team if he gets called up.

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Game 13 - Phils Lose After Shutting it Down After 1st Inning

Arizona Diamondbacks	5
Philadelphia Phillies	4

2023 Philadelphia Phillies Photocards

Friday Night, April 10th

Citizens Bank Park - Philadelphia, PA
6-7, 4th Place, 2 1/2 games behind the Braves

One Sentence Summary:  The Phillies wasted a four-run first inning and Jesus Luzardo imploded in the fifth in this 5-4 series-opening loss to the Diamondbacks.

What It Means:  The Phillies continue to have one big inning and then shut things down for multiple innings in a row.

What Happened:  The offense quickly jumped all over Diamondbacks' starter Michael Soroka in the first inning, when Trea Turner singled, Kyle Scwarber walked, Bryce Harper doubled home Turner and Brandon Marsh connected for a three-run home run.  All was right with the world.  

Problem was, the offense had four more hits the rest of the game, and didn't score again.  Luzardo was brilliant through the first four innings, and hadn't allowed a hit.  The Diamondbacks figured something out in the fifth, getting to him for five runs on five hits and three walks.  The big blow, giving the Diamondbacks the lead, was a two-run double from James McCann, chasing Luzardo from the game.  The two biggest bats struggling right now are Alec Bohm (.170) and Adolis Garcia (.229).

Featured Card:  Maybe current Diamondbacks' pitching coach Brian Kaplan tipped off his pitchers on the Phillies' offensive weaknesses?  Kaplan was the assistant pitching coach for the Phillies for three seasons between 2022 and 2024 before taking the job in Arizona.  This is his somewhat rare team-issued photo card from 2023 that was never actually released to the public.

Field Report:  Jenna and I had our first pre-game Bull's BBQ meal of the season and enjoyed the first inning from the surprisingly empty Diamond Club Section C.  Little did we know the only enjoyment we'd get from this game was in the first 10 minutes.

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Spring Training Game 17 - Spring Training Slogs Along with Another L

Philadelphia Phillies	3
Boston Red Sox	5

2023 Topps #383

Spring Training Game 17

Monday Afternoon, March 9th

JetBlue Park - Fort Myers, FL

Record - 5-11-1

One Sentence Summary:  With the big bats at the World Baseball Classic, the Phillies offense continued to sputter along in this 5-3 loss to the Red Sox.

What It Means:  We're roughly 2 1/2 weeks away from opening day.

What Happened:  The Phillies managed six singles and went 1 for 5 with runners in scoring position.  They scored a pair of runs in the second on a Jose Rodriguez single and a ground ball double play from Keaton Anthony.  A fifth inning run scored when they successful pulled off a delayed double steal, with Johan Rojas taking second and Bryan Rincon coming home.  

The Red Sox scored four runs in the third, all charged to Phillies' starter Bryse Wilson.  Wilson allowed four runs on six hits and three walks while striking out one.

Featured Card:  Wilson could be a potential fifth starter for the club at some point during the season.  He's played in parts of eight big league seasons, finding the most success with the Brewers in 2023 when he was 6-0 with a 2.58 ERA in 53 relief appearances.

Camp Head Count:  65 - 1 = 64

Alex McFarlane (rhp) was optioned to Double-A Reading before the game.

Spring Training Game 6 - Stott, Hettiger Homer in Win Over Nats

Washington Nationals	3
Philadelphia Phillies	7

2023 Topps Archives #189

Spring Training Game 6

Thursday Afternoon, February 26th

BayCare Ballpark - Clearwater, FL

Record - 2-3-1

One Sentence Summary:  A four-run third inning was the difference in this game, a 7-3 win over the Nationals.

What It Means:  Similar to prior years, I have every intention of watching or listening to as many spring training games possible, but then work obligations seem to get in the way.  This game started and ended without me following a single pitch, although I was happy to get the notification of a Phillies win once the game was over.

What Happened:  Bryson Stott homered in the first to the tie the game at 1-1, after Phillies' starter Taijuan Walker allowed a first inning run to the Nationals.  Walker went two innings, allowing a run on three hits.  In the big third inning, Dante Nori doubled and Kehden Hettiger hit a two-run home run.  With one out, Stott walked and scored on a Bryce Harper RBI-double.  Garrett Stubbs would later single Harper home.  Jose Alvarado picked up the win, throwing a scoreless third inning and striking out a pair.

Featured Card:  I added surprisingly few Stott cards to my collection in 2025, and this was one of them.  I was a few years late picking up his 2023 Topps Archives card, with a weirdly cropped photo but a faithful representation of the 1965 Topps set.

Camp Head Count:  69

Phillies Announce 27 Spring Training Non-Roster Invitees

2020 Topps Update - 1985 Topps Baseball Chrome #CPC-39

2022 Topps #624

2023 Topps Update #US312

2020 Topps Heritage #173

2024 Topps Update #US45

As we prepare to be buried in several feet of snow, it was a pleasant surprise to see a press release from the Phillies on Friday afternoon with the names of 27 non-roster invitees.  There were 26 players announced a year ago, a week earlier than this year, on January 14th.

Here's a look at the 27 non-roster invitees, their 2025 organizations and an example of a recently released mainstream baseball card.  Phillies' management has already announced their intention to give Justin Crawford every opportunity to win the starting center fielder's job.

1. Genesis Cabrera (lhp) - Mets / Cubs / Pirates / Twins - 2021 Topps Now Road to Opening Day Cardinals #OD-370
2. Tucker Davidson (lhp) - Brewers - 2022 Topps #624
3. Tim Mayza (lhp) - Pirates / Phillies - 2024 Topps Update #US203
4. Andrew Walling (lhp) - Phillies - 2025 Choice Reading Fightin Phils (Series 3) #30
5. Andrew Bechtold (rhp) - Phillies - 2025 Choice Reading Fightin Phils (Series 3) #3
6. Jonathan Hernandez (rhp) - Rays - 2023 Topps Update #US312
7. Michael Mercado (rhp) - Phillies - 2025 Topps #582
8. Trevor Richards (rhp) - Cubs / Royals / Diamondbacks - 2020 Topps Heritage #173
9. Bryse Wilson (rhp) - White Sox - 2024 Topps Update #US45
10. Kehden Hettiger (c) - Phillies - 2025 Choice Jersey Shore BlueClaws #4
11. Mark Kolozsvary (c) - Red Sox - 2022 Topps Heritage #511
12. Paul McIntosh (c) - Phillies - 2025 Choice Reading Fightin Phils (Series 3) #22
13. Rene Pinto (c) - Diamondbacks / Blue Jays - 2024 Topps Update #US107
14. Caleb Ricketts (c) - Phillies - 2025 Choice Reading Fightin Phils (Series 3) #28
15. Keaton Anthony (inf) - Phillies - 2025 Choice Reading Fightin Phils #8
16. Christian Cairo (inf) - Guradians - 2019 Bowman Draft #BD-195
17. Carson DeMartini (inf) - Phillies - 2025 Topps Pro Debut #PD-152
18. Aroon Escobar (inf) - Phillies - 2025 Choice Clearwater Threshers #11
19. Aidan Miller (inf) - Phillies - 2025 Topps Pro Debut #PD-113
20. Liover Peguero (inf) - Pirates - 2025 Topps Now #504
21. Bryan Rincon (inf) - Phillies - 2025 Jersey Shore BlueClaws #6
22. Jose Rodriguez (inf) - Phillies - 2025 Choice Reading Fightin Phils (Series 3) #29
23. Dylan Campbell (of) - Phillies - 2025 Choice Reading Fightin Phils (Series 3) #7
24. Justin Crawford (of) - Phillies - 2025 Topps Pro Debut Ballpark Promos #BP-7
25. Bryan De La Cruz (of) - Braves / Yankees - 2025 Topps Update #US234
26. Dante Nori (of) - Phillies - 2025 Topps Pro Debut #PD-59
27. Felix Reyes (inf-of) - Phillies - 2025 Choice Reading Fightin Phils (Series 3) #27

2022 Topps Heritage #511

2024 Topps Update #US107

2019 Bowman Draft #BD-195

2025 Topps Now #504

2025 Topps Update #US234

2025 Choice Reading Fightin Phils (Series 3) #3

2025 Choice Jersey Shore BlueClaws #4

2025 Choice Reading Fightin Phils #8

2025 Topps Pro Debut #PD-152

2025 Choice Clearwater Threshers #11

Game 160 - Nola Returns to Pre-2025 Form

Minnesota Twins	1
Philadelphia Phillies	3

2023 Topps Heritage Clubhouse
Collection Relics Gold #CCR-AN

Friday Night, September 26th

Citizens Bank Park - Philadelphia, PA
95-65, 1st Place, 13 games ahead of the Mets

One Sentence Summary:  Aaron Nola was fantastic in this 3-1 win over the Twins.

What It Means:  The Phillies have two more regular season games, and then they'll play an intrasquad game, open to the public for $10 per seat, on October 1st.  This marks the third time in franchise history the Phillies have had back-to-back 95 win seasons.  They did it in 1976-77 and 2011-12, and now 2024-25.

What Happened:  Nola was throwing a perfect game until Christian Vazquez hit a solo home run with two outs in the sixth.  He'd pitch eight innings, allowing two hits while striking out nine.  He also tied and then passed Robin Roberts for second place on the Phillies' all-time strikeout leaders list.  Nola has 1,876 to the 1,871 by Hall of Famer Roberts.  Steve Carlton is first on the list, with 3,031, a mark that will likely not be broken.

In the first, Kyle Schwarber and Bryce Harper singled and Schwarber scored the game's first run on an Alec Bohm sacrifice fly.  The red hot Edmundo Sosa hit a solo home run in the bottom of the fifth.  After Nola gave up the Vazquez home run in the top of the sixth, the Phillies got the run back in the bottom of the inning when Bohm singled and Brandon Marsh doubled him home.  Jhoan Duran allowed a few baserunners in the ninth, but shut down his former team to record his 16th save with the Phillies.

Featured Card:  Of course it's Nola.  I don't buy many singles via eBay, focusing on Phillies team sets, but this card found its way into my eBay cart recently given the reasonably low price coupled with other discounts.  I find it strange Topps had an employee hand write "80/99" instead of having it stamped in the printing process.

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Game 136 - Clutch Single from Turner Walks It Off

Atlanta Braves	2
Philadelphia Phillies	3

10 Innings

2023 Topps Brooklyn
Collection #41

Saturday Night, August 30th

Citizens Bank Park - Philadelphia, PA
79-57, 1st Place, 6 games ahead of the Mets

One Sentence Summary:  Trea Turner came through with a clutch, two-run single in the bottom of the 10th, sending the Phillies to their third straight win over the Braves.

What It Means:  They'll go for a series sweep tonight before heading to Milwaukee for a key series with huge playoff implications.

What Happened:  Cristopher Sanchez and Chris Sale baffled batters for most of the game.  Sanchez allowed a run on seven hits in seven innings, striking out eight.  Sale allowed a solo home run to Weston Wilson in the third, and allowed only two other hits while striking out nine.  Knotted at 1-1, Matt Strahm gave up an RBI single to Nacho Alvarez Jr. in the top of the 10th, scoring the ghost-runner, Jake Fraley.  In the bottom of the 10th, with ghost-runner Alce Bohm on second, Nick Castellanos was hit by a pitch and Bryson Stott singled to load the bases.  With two outs and two strikes on him, Turner found a hole in the infield, singling to right and scoring both Bohm and Castellanos.  It was the team's fourth walk-off win of the season.

Featured Card:  Not only did he have the winning hit, but Turner provided some fantastic plays at shortstop throughout this game.  I recently added this great-looking card of his to my collection from the club-exclusive 2023 Topps Brooklyn Collection.  Featuring a retro Topps design, the card is about as thick as four regular cards.

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Game 64 - Phils Looking for Answers as Losing Continues

Philadelphia Phillies	1
Pittsburgh Pirates	2

2023 Choice
Clearwater Threshers #13

Saturday Afternoon, June 7th

PNC Park - Pittsburgh, PA
37-27, 2nd Place, 3 1/2 games behind the Mets

One Sentence Summary:  A lack of Phillies offense continued to be a troubling theme in this rapid-fire, 2-1 loss to the Pirates.

What It Means:  The Phillies have lost eight of their last nine games, and they'll attempt to avoid a sweep by the Pirates this afternoon.

What Happened:  Ranger Suarez was the hard luck loser, giving up a pair of runs on five hits in five innings of work.  The crushing blow was a solo home run from Henry Davis in the seventh inning.  Kyle Schwarber, the second batter of the game, hit a solo home run in the first, his 20th of the season.  The offense pretty much shut it down from there with only an Alec Bohm double in the top of the seventh generating any excitement.  With no outs, Bohm went to third on a wild pitch, but was stranded there after Nick Castellanos struck out, J.T. Realmuto popped up to shallow right and Bryson Stott flied out.

Featured Card:  Otto Kemp made his big league debut, starting at third base and batting seventh.  He went 0 for 3 with a pair of strikeouts, but made all his plays in the field.  Kemp was signed by the Phillies as an undrafted free agent in July 2022, and his hard work in the minors earned him a promotion.  He had been batting .313 with 14 home runs and 55 RBIs at Lehigh Valley.  This is the first card of his in my collection, from the 2023 Clearwater Threshers team set.

Transaction:  In a flurry of roster moves before this game, Bryce Harper (1b) was placed on the 10-day injured list with a right wrist injury and Kemp (inf) had his contract selected from Lehigh Valley.  Alan Rangel (rhp) was sent back down, and Daniel Robert (rhp) came back up through the revolving bullpen door.  And Jose Ruiz (rhp) was claimed off waivers by the Braves.

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Game 58 - Luzardo Shelled, Hoskins Homers Twice in Rout

Milwaukee Brewers	17
Philadelphia Phillies	7

2023 Topps Archives
1954 Topps Tarzan 3D #TZ3D-6

Saturday Afternoon, May 31st

Citizens Bank Park - Philadelphia, PA
36-22, Tied for 1st Place, 8 games ahead of the Nationals

One Sentence Summary:  Jesus Luzardo suffered through the worst start of his career and Rhys Hoskins hit a pair of three-run home runs in this lopsided 17-7 defeat to the Brewers.

What It Means:  The Phillies will look to avoid a home sweep this afternoon, and their fourth loss in a row, with Ranger Suarez on the mound.

What Happened:  Luzardo lasted 3 1/3 innings and was charged with 12 runs on 12 hits, including home runs to Hoskins in the first and fourth innings.  His ERA went from 2.15 to 3.58 in a little over an hour.  Reliever Jose Ruiz gave up five more runs in the fifth, and utility player Weston Wilson stopped the bleeding with two shutout innings to close out the game.  The Phillies scored five runs in the bottom of the ninth, making the score slightly more respectable.  Johan Rojas had a two-run triple and Brandon Marsh hit a two-run home run before the game mercifully ended.

Featured Card:  In a sign of ultimate respect, cheers for Hoskins turned to boos following his home runs.  I wasn't aware this card existed until I was filling my cart during a recent COMC order, and as the name of the card suggests, it borrows the design from the 1954 Topps Tarzan set.

Field Report:  Jenna and I were enjoying the great spring weather at the ballpark until the Brewers started to quickly barrel up Luzardo.  Our enjoyment pivoted to working on an escape plan when the rains arrived in the fourth inning.  Our traditional pre-game meal was once again at Pass and Stow's.

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Game 25 - Phils Can't Avoid Sweep

Philadelphia Phillies	3
New York Mets	4

10 Innings

2023 Topps #196

Wednesday Night, April 23rd

Citi Field - Flushing, NY
13-12, 2nd Place, 5 games behind the Mets

One Sentence Summary:  The Phillies wasted Zack Wheeler's outing as the bats continued to slumber and Jordan Romano's struggles persisted in this 4-3, extra-inning loss to the Mets. 

What It Means:  Dreadful.  Bryce Harper went 1 for 11 with three walks in the series, and he had this to say following the loss:  "We've got to play better baseball."

What Happened:  The game was tied 2-2 through regulation.  The Mets struck first, with Brett Baty hitting a two-run home run in the second.  The Phillies tied it up in the fourth on RBI singles from Johan Rojas and Trea Turner, scoring Edmundo Sosa and Weston Wilson.  Wheeler struck out nine in his six innings, allowing five hits and walking a pair.  Jose Alvarado threw two scoreless frames in the eighth and ninth innings.

The Phillies took the lead in the 10th when Nick Castellanos singled home zombie runner Harper.  With Romano on the mound in the bottom of the 10th, Pete Alonso doubled home zombie runner Francisco Lindor and Starling Marte singled Alonso home with the winning run.

Featured Card:  Romano, the team's big offseason bullpen pick-up, has been awful.  An All-Star in 2022 and 2023 with the Blue Jays, Romano owns a 13.50 ERA through 11 appearances and 9 1/3 innings pitched so far in 2025.

Transaction:  Wilson (of) was activated from the 10-day injured list and Kody Clemens (inf), who is out of minor league options, was designated for assignment.  Clemens has appeared in just seven games for the Phillies so far this season, all as a pinch-hitter or pinch-runner.

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Spring Training Game 30 - Spring Schedule Concludes with Win

Tampa Bay Rays	6
Philadelphia Phillies	8

2023 Topps Allen & Ginter
Mini Only In . . . #OI-21

Spring Training Game 30

Monday Afternoon, March 24th

BayCare Ballpark - Clearwater, FL

Record - 15-13-2

One Sentence Summary:  The Phillies wrapped up their 2025 exhibition schedule with an 8-6 win over the Rays, before heading north for the season opener in Washington on Thursday afternoon.

What It Means:  I listened to the entirety of this game during a nine-hour drive down to Myrtle Beach on Monday.  Our oldest son's high school baseball team is playing its spring training games at the Cal Ripken Experience down here, and I had no qualms about re-arranging my work schedule to make sure I didn't miss a pitch.  The Phillies' broadcast was looser than usual, which was a lot of fun to listen to, and the vibe of the entire game was, "Let's get this over with and get the season going."

What Happened:  It was a little concerning the team's fifth starter to begin the season, Taijuan Walker, didn't look crisp.  He allowed four runs on six hits and three walks in his four-inning outing.  The Phillies' offense banged out eight doubles in the game, from Kyle Schwarber, Rafael Marchan, Johan Rojas, Edmundo Sosa, Kody Clemens and a few other prospects joining the club for the day.

Featured Card:  I recently added this card to my collection, as I hadn't been aware of its existence until recently.  I can't wait to get back to the ballpark.

Camp Head Count:  30 - 4 = 26

None of these moves will be official until Thursday, but Ranger Suarez (lhp) and Weston Wilson (inf) will start the season on the injured list.  Andrew Painter (rhp) will be reassigned to the minor leages.  And Buddy Kennedy (inf) will be traded or designated for assignment.  Clemens beat out Kennedy for the final open roster spot, and Kennedy is out of minor league options.

Spring Training Game 25 - Phils Lose Vibe Captain, Game

Philadelphia Phillies	0
Atlanta Braves	7

2023 Topps Update #US137

Spring Training Game 25

Thursday Afternoon, March 20th

CoolToday Park - North Port, FL

Record - 11-12-2

One Sentence Summary:  A seemingly lifeless Phillies team lost on the road to the Braves, managing just four hits in this 7-0 loss.

What It Means:  It was kind of an appropriate outcome, given the Phillies sent down their Vibe Captain, Garrett Stubbs, to the minor leagues before this game.  Stubbs has been the back-up catcher since 2022, and while he's been great defensively, he batted .204 in 2023 and .207 last season.  Rafael Marchan won the back-up catcher role, and after nine years in the Phillies' organization he'll make his first opening day roster.

What Happened:  It was a bullpen game for the Phillies, with non-roster invitee Nabil Crismatt getting the start and lasting three innings.  Crismatt gave up a run on three hits.  Kyle Tyler took the brunt of the punishment from the Braves, giving up five runs on four hits in 1 2/3 innings.  Johan Rojas and Cal Stevenson had doubles in the losing effort, and the overall the Phillies offense went 0 for 8 with runners in scoring position.

Also a bullpen game for the Braves, non-roster invitee and Phillies Room favorite Hector Neris got the start and pitched a scoreless inning.

Featured Card:  If this is the end of Stubbs' time on the big league roster, I can definitely see him transitioning into a coaching role, or even a broadcasting role.  For now, he'll head to Lehigh Valley where he'll work firsthand with some of the Phillies' top pitching prospects.

Camp Head Count:  40 - 1 = 39

Stubbs (c) was optioned to the Lehigh Valley IronPigs.

Spring Training Game 16 - Small Ball, Pitching Depth Wins Over Twins

Philadelphia Phillies	4
Minnesota Twins	1

2023 Topps Heritage #495

Spring Training Game 16

Monday Afternoon, March 10

Lee Health Sports Complex - Fort Myers, FL

Record - 7-8-1

One Sentence Summary:  The Phillies used singles and seven pitchers likely slated for Lehigh Valley in this 4-1 win over the Twins.

What It Means:  After nearly an hour rain delay, the Phillies kicked off their second to last full week of spring training games before opening day on March 27th.

What Happened:  All the Phillies' runs came in the fourth inning, with two outs, without an extra-base hit.  Alec Bohm and Rodolfo Castro reached on singles, with a Cal Stevenson single scoring Bohm.  Rafael Lantigua followed with a two-run single to score Bohm and Stevenson.  Lantigua stole second and came home on an RBI single from Bryson Stott.  Stevenson and Kody Clemens both had multi-hit days.

It was a good day for the team's pitching depth to get in some work.  Seven Phillies pitchers held the Twins to one run, despite allowing eight hits and walking six.  Seth Johnson got the start and the win after two scoreless innings.

Featured Card:  I've not featured any cards of non-roster invitee Nicholas Padilla yet, and his one mainstream cardboard appearance can be found in the 2023 Topps Heritage set.  Padilla got out of a bases loaded jam in the fifth with a double play ball.

Camp Head Count:  56 - 3 = 53

Johnson (rhp) and Alan Rangel (rhp) were optioned to Lehigh Valley and Padilla (rhp) was reassigned to minor league camp.  All three pitchers, in order, pitched in this game.

Spring Training Game 7 - Nola Sharp, Bats Missing in Lakeland

Philadelphia Phillies	0
Detroit Tigers	1

2023 Choice Arkansas
Travelers #4

Spring Training Game 7

Saturday Afternoon, March 1

Joker Marchant Stadium - Lakeland, FL

Record - 3-3-1

One Sentence Summary:  With all the regulars staying behind in Clearwater, a team of Phillies reserves and job seekers managed one single against Tigers' pitching in this 1-0 defeat.

What It Means:  At least the game was on the radio with Scott Franzke and Kevin Stocker broadcasting.

What Happened:  Aaron Nola continued a string of strong spring debuts from the Phillies' starting pitching staff, allowing a hit and striking out a pair in his two innings of work.  Tyler Phillips allowed the lone run of the game to score in the third inning.  Kyle Tyler pitched two scoreless innings in relief, striking out two.  Johan Rojas, the team's DH for this game, broke up the Tigers' no-hitter with a single with one out in the top of the sixth.

Featured Card:  Tyler has pitched in 15 big league games over three different seasons with the Angels, Padres and Marlins.  The righty was selected off waivers by the Phillies from the Marlins last August 11th, and was shaky in seven starts with the IronPigs the rest of the season - 1-2 with a 6.09 ERA.  Per the TCDB, he's got five minor league baseball cards to his name with nary an appearance yet in a mainstream release.

Camp Head Count:  66

Spring Training 2025: Non-Roster Invitees

2024 Choice Reading Fightin Phils (3rd Edition) #29

2022 Topps Heritage #656

2024 Choice Reading Fightin Phils (3rd Edition) #11

2024 Choice Reading Fightin Phils (3rd Edition) #33

2024 Choice Buffalo Bisons #8

In years' past, news of Phillies' non-roster invitees trickled in over the weeks and months leading to the opening of spring training.  This year, the Phillies gave us one big press release on January 14th announcing 23 non-roster invitees, and they's added three more names to the list since then.

Here's a look at the 26 non-roster invitees opening camp with the Phillies, their 2024 organizations and one of the more recently available baseball cards.

1. Josh Breaux (c) - Yankees / Phillies - 2024 Choice Reading Fightin Phils (3rd Edition) #29
2. Payton Henry (c) - Blue Jays - 2024 Choice Buffalo Bisons #5
3. Paul McIntosh (c) - Marlins - 2024 Choice Pensacola Blue Wahoos #17
4. Caleb Ricketts (c) - Phillies - 2024 Choice Reading Fightin Phils (3rd Edition) #11
5. Rodolfo Castro (inf) - Phillies - 2023 Topps Heritage #453
6. Otto Kemp (inf) - Phillies - 2024 Choice Reading Fightin Phils (3rd Edition) #33
7. Rafael Lantigua (inf) - Blue Jays - 2024 Choice Buffalo Bisons #8
8. Aidan Miller (inf) - Phillies - 2024 Topps Pro Debut #PD-31
9. Carson Taylor (inf) - Phillies - 2024 Choice Reading Fightin Phils (3rd Edition) #7
10. Justin Crawford (of) - Phillies - 2024 Topps Pro Debut #PD-124
11. Gabriel Rincones Jr. (of) - Phillies - 2024 Topps Pro Debut #PD-54
12. Matt Kroon (util) - Phillies - 2024 Choice Lehigh Valley IronPigs #14
13. Nabil Crismatt (rhp) - Dodgers / Rangers / Padres - 2023 Topps World Baseball Classic #17
14. Jose Cuas (rhp) - Cubs / Blue Jays / Phillies - 2024 Topps Heritage #151
15. Joel Kuhnel (rhp) - Astros / Blue Jays / Brewers / Rays - 2020 Topps Update #U-281
16. Griff McGarry (rhp) - Phillies - 2024 Topps Pro Debut #PD-16
17. John McMillon (rhp) - Royals / Marlins - 2024 Topps #571
18. Nicholas Padilla (rhp) - White Sox - 2024 Choice Charlotte Knights #16
19. Andrew Painter (rhp) - Phillies - 2024 Choice Reading Fightin Phils (3rd Edition) #37
20. Austin Schulfer (rhp) - Twins / Tigers - 2023 Choice St. Paul Saints SGA
21. Guillo Zuniga (rhp) - Angels - 2023 Topps Now World Baseball Classic #WBC-22
22. Tristan Garnett (lhp) - Phillies - 2024 Choice Reading Fightin Phils (3rd Edition) #20
23. Nick Vespi (lhp) - Orioles - 2024 Choice Norfolk Tides #39
24. Koyo Aoyagi (rhp) - Hanshin Tigers - 2024 Topps NPB #78
25. Christian Arroyo (inf) - Brewers - 2023 Topps #352
26. Oscar Mercado (of) - Padres / Tigers - 2024 Choice El Paso Chihuahuas #17

Aoyagi signed a minor league deal with the Phillies on January 17th, and he's a veteran of nine seasons in Japan's Nippon Professional Baseball league.  Aoyagi was a an All-Star in Japan in 2019, 2021 and 2022.

On Valentine's Day, the Phillies officially signed Christian Arroyo (inf) and Oscar Mercado (of) to minor league contracts with invitations to spring training.  Arroyo has spent seven seasons in the majors as a back-up infielder with the Giants, Rays, Indians and Red Sox.  Mercado, who played in one game for the Phillies in 2022, was most recently in the majors with the Cardinals in 2023.

2024 Choice Reading Fightin Phils (3rd Edition) #7

2024 Topps Pro Debut #PD-54

2024 Choice Lehigh Valley IronPigs #14

2024 Topps Heritage #151

2020 Topps Update #U-281

2024 Topps #571

2024 Choice Reading Fightin Phils (3rd Edition) #20

2023 Topps Chrome Platinum Anniversary #91

2023 Topps NPB #105

2023 Topps #352