Jake Arrieta

It looks like the Phillies will have their big offseason addition, Zach Wheeler this Saturday when they face the Miami Marlins.

The Philadelphia Phillies tied the New York Yankees 2-2 in their third exhibition game. Vince Velasquez was definitely the talk of town before the game started and let's just say he was impressive. In the first inning though, Velasquez threw 25 pitches and struggled a tad, but it was mixed with intriguing pitches. Here is how his first inning played out: DJ LeMahieu was hit by a pitch Aaron Judge struck out swinging Gleybor Torres single Giancarlo Stanton struck out looking Aaron Hicks walks Gary Sanchez struck out swinging with bases loaded No runs were scored in the inning, but this shows the inconsistency of Velasquez we have seen many times before. Interestingly enough, he turned it around big time only needing 48 pitches during the next four innings. He allowed a home-run to Judge after ending the fifth inning and going for a fourth out because, well, why not? It's a game that doesn't count. It was obvious that his cutter, curveball, and change-up was very interesting. I think it is fair to ask this question: Have we been sucked in like this before with Vinny V? On a side note, Jean Segura was drilled in the hand by a pitch resulting in exiting the game. We are waiting for more information as the Yankees did not have x-rays available. He seems to be okay.

The Philadelphia Phillies lost to the Baltimore Orioles in an exhibition game. Zack Wheeler threw 86 pitches in 4.1 innings. There is no doubt his breaking ball can be dominant, but he lost his command towards the end. This shouldn't have to be stressed too much... It was ONLY an exhibition game. So there is no need to say his contract isn't worth it or that he isn't good. Let's relax. The offense was not able to click for any type of run support. In terms of the broadcast, the fake crowd noise is definitely needed. The empty stadium seats do not bother me although I can understand why that is an eye sore to some.

Phillies pitcher Zach Wheeler was the teams' biggest offseason addition, signing a five-year, $118 million free agent contract with Philadelphia this winter.

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.

The Phillies come from behind to beat the Padres 7-5 and win the series. Adam Haseley gets his first career hit which was a double in the 7th inning to take the lead!

Phillies ace Aaron Nola made his Grapefruit League debut on Saturday, facing the Pittsburgh Pirates in Clearwater.

Phillies pitcher Jake Arrieta was shut down in mid-August and eventually had season-ending surgery to remove bone spurs from his pitching elbow.

The Phillies come from behind to beat the Padres 7-5 and win the series. Adam Haseley gets his first career hit which was a double in the 7th inning to take the lead!

The Phillies allow eight home runs to the Diamondbacks in game one of the series by a score of 13-8.