Phillies Notes: Arrieta Struggles in Spring Debut

The Phillies need Jake Arrieta to step up and be their No. 3 starter this season, his first spring outing didn't go as planned for him to succeed in that role.

Making his first start since surgery to remove a bone spur from his elbow last August, Arrieta threw 39 pitchers, surrendered three runs, on three hits and two walks, with one strikeout in two innings on Tuesday in a loss to the Blue Jays.

Arrieta told reporters after the game that he was completely healthy, something he has been during his first two seasons in Philadelphia.

The 33-year-old has been very up-and-down during his Phillies career, and had a disappointing 2019 season, registering a 4.64 ERA, 1.47 WHIP and 110/51 K/BB ratio across 135 2/3 innings.

Down in Bradenton, Ranger Saurez made his spring debut, facing the Pirates.  He threw two solid innings, giving up two hits and a walk, striking out one.

Veteran Drew Storen retired all three batters he faced, as he tries to earn a spot in the Phillies bullpen after missing of 2019 returning from Tommy John surgery. He was released after just nine appearances for the Royals' Double-A team last year.

PHILLERS

Phillies right fielder Bryce Harper made in 2020 Grapefruit League debut, walking, stealing a base and striking out in two plate appearances.

Alec Bohm went 2-for-3 on the day, while he is an extreme long-shot to make the Phillies 26-man roster, he is their top prospect and its nice to see him get off to a good start at the plate.

Adam Haseley exited Tuesday's Grapefruit League game after injuring his face while attempting to make a diving catch.