Injuries Continue To Impact Phillies

EXHIBITION GAME RECAP: Jays Top Phils 4-1

A four-run eighth inning powered the Blue Jays to a 4-1 win over the Phillies on Thursday afternoon at Florida Auto Exchange Stadium. An RBI double by Ryan Goins and a three-run blast by Steve Tolleson in the bottom of the eighth provided Toronto's offense. "He's smoking," Blue Jays manager John Gibbons said after Tolleson's third homer of the spring. "Last year, he was primarily against lefties. He had his eyes fixed, and I think he looks better, he's seeing the ball better from both sides of the plate. Tolly is just a good player. He's one of those guys, he's just there, he helps teams out tremendously. He can run, he play anywhere on the field, he's a valuable guy on the field." The game featured a pitchers' duel between Phillies ace Cole Hamels and Blue Jays promising right-hander Aaron Sanchez with both teams being held off the scoreboard through the first three innings. Philadelphia didn't get its first hit until the fourth inning while Kevin Pillar had Toronto's first hit in the fifth. The Phillies opened the scoring in the top of the fourth when Chase Utley sparked the rally with a one-out single. Veteran catcher Carlos Ruiz followed with a double to the gap in right-center field as Utley easily came around to score. With that, Philadelphia took a 1-0 lead but almost lost it in the following inning. Pillar led off with an infield single, but he was later picked off first base by Hamels. Center fielder Dalton Pompey followed with a shot off the wall in left-center field. Pompey missed the home run by a few feet but showed off his speed and ended up on third with a head-first slide. He was later stranded when Jose Reyes struck out swinging at a ball in the dirt. Sanchez was removed from the game in the folowing inning after reaching his pitch count for the afternoon. He allowed the one run on two hits, a walk and two strikeouts over 5 1/3 innings. The native of California has now allowed eight earned runs in 18 1/3 innings this spring as he nears his big league starting debut early next month. Hamels was taken out after the fifth. He didn't allow a run and surrendered only two hits, but he did walk three batters while striking out four. It was Hamels' fifth outing of the spring with his innings total now sitting at 15 2/3 innings to go along with nine earned runs. Utley was the standout in Philadelphia's lineup with a pair of hits and a run scored.

TODAY’S EXHIBITION GAME:

Top Phillies pitching prospect Aaron Nola will start Friday's Grapefruit League game against the Yankees at Bright House Field. The Phillies selected Nola with the seventh overall pick in the 2014 First-Year Player Draft. Nola is scheduled to open the season in Double-A Reading but it is not a stretch to think he could join the big league rotation before the end of the year.

PHILS PHACTS:

Phils Scratch Asche – The Phillies scratched Cody Asche from Thursday's lineup because of tightness in his back. The team said he felt something during team stretch. "I don't expect him to miss much [time]," Phillies manager Ryne Sandberg said following a 4-1 loss to the Blue Jays at Florida Auto Exchange Stadium. "He had a muscle in his back that kind of grabbed him a little bit." Asche is hitting .238 (10-for-42) with two doubles, three home runs, seven RBIs and a .767 OPS in 16 Grapefruit League games. Non-roster invitee Andres Blanco replaced Asche at third base.

Hamels Ready For Opening Day – Cole Hamels looks ready for Opening Day. He allowed two hits, three walks and struck out four in five scoreless innings in Thursday's 4-1 loss to the Blue Jays at Auto Exchange Stadium. He allowed his first hit to open the fifth inning. He then allowed a two-out triple to Blue Jays center fielder Dalton Pompey before striking out Jose Reyes on three pitches to end the inning. Hamels has one more Spring Training start before pitching for the Phillies on Opening Day on April 6 against the Red Sox. Of course, Phillies manager Ryne Sandberg declined Thursday to officially name Hamels his Opening Day pitcher, but if he isn't, it would be one of the greatest upsets in franchise history. "As it gets closer, you've got to take things a little bit more seriously," said Hamels, who had a 7.59 ERA in his first four Grapefruit League starts. "Rather than working on pitches, it's more just getting guys out. Things have just been really starting to click in my bullpens, playing catch on the side, really just putting in the time to feel confident with each pitch so that I can go out there and try to execute a pitch with a little more authority." Hamels liked how he followed his at-bat against Pompey. He threw a first pitch curveball to Reyes, who swung and missed. Hamels followed with two changeups. "I think anytime you are able to go out there and get guys out on three pitches or less, you're feeling pretty good," Hamels said. "In a crunch situation, you just have to bear down, and this is the type of situation that you're going to be in all the time during the season, just because every pitch and every out matters." The Phillies head to Philadelphia next Thursday for a pair of exhibition games against the Pirates at Citizens Bank Park. They open their 2015 season a couple days later against the Red Sox. Hamels will be on the mound, even if Sandberg has not said it. "It's a secret," he said with a smile. "I'll give you a little heads up."

Bullpen Struggles – Phillies left-hander Andy Oliver remains a favorite to win a bullpen job, but the Rule 5 Draft pick has struggled in his last two Grapefruit League appearances. He walked four batters in just 2/3 inning Thursday in a 4-1 loss to the Blue Jays at Florida Auto Exchange Stadium. He allowed three hits, two runs, one walk and struck out three in 1 2/3 innings Sunday against the Red Sox. Oliver had allowed two hits, two walks and had struck out an eye-popping 13 batters in 6 2/3 scoreless innings in his first four Spring Training appearances. "He had a couple real good ones, real good," Phillies manager Ryne Sandberg said. "He just didn't have his control [Thursday]. In most cases, he can get his slider for strikes, but it didn't happen today. But he's shown when he's in the zone with both pitches, he can be effective. That's key for him, throwing strikes." Oliver averaged 12 strikeouts per nine innings last season with Triple-A Indianapolis, but he also averaged 6.6 walks. In five seasons in the Minor Leagues, he has averaged 9.2 strikeouts and 5.8 walks per nine innings. Phillies setup man Ken Giles allowed two hits, four runs, two walks and struck out one in 2/3 inning to blow the lead and game. He allowed a three-run home run to Steve Tolleson to give Toronto the three-run lead. Giles had allowed two hits, one run, five walks and had struck out nine in 6 2/3 innings in his first six appearances. "Kenny, he's not where he wants to be yet," Sandberg said. "He's still building arm strength. He doesn't have his good zip on his fastball. And today his slider wasn't going down like it usually does. I think he's a power pitcher that's still building his arm." Any concerns there? "I don't think so," Sandberg said.

A Small But Significant Step – This is just another small step for Phillies right-hander Chad Billingsley, but he is encouraged. He pitched two scoreless innings Thursday in a Minor League Spring Training game against the Yankees' Triple-A affiliate at Carpenter Complex. Billingsley, 30, allowed two hits. He faced seven hitters and got five ground balls. "Today was a really good test or step," Billingsley said. "I had a really quick first inning. And then go back out there and throw 24 pitches. It felt great. So I was really pleased with it. As far as recovery, my arm feels good right now. If something was wrong, I would have come out of the game. It felt good, and I'm going to do it again in five days." Billingsley has pitched just 12 innings in the big leagues the past two seasons because of two elbow surgeries. The Phillies signed him to a one-year, $1.5 million contract in the offseason, and they hope he can be ready to join the Phillies' rotation by late April. The Phillies could use a healthy and effective Billingsley. They need a No. 5 starter, and the candidates to this point are Miguel Alfredo Gonzalez, Kevin Slowey and Sean O'Sullivan. "I'm very encouraged each time I go out there," Billingsley said. "Each little step I take, I get more confidence. More confidence that my arm is responding well and it's recovering well. I let some balls go today, really getting after it. And each time out there just gaining confidence in my arm and trusting it and not really worrying about it. Getting it out of my mind. I mean, going through two surgeries the last two years, starting to trust it, and it's responded well, and I'm happy." Billingsley is not sure about his next step. It could be more Minor League games. It could be an appearance in a Grapefruit League game.

Another Injured Phillie – It is not a crippling blow, but top Phillies prospect J.P. Crawford suffered a setback nonetheless this week. Crawford strained his left oblique, which the Phils said could sideline him four to six weeks. "That's the range," Phillies player development director Joe Jordan said. "We'll see in a few days how he responds to treatment. We'll have a better feel in five, six, seven days from now." Crawford, 20, had been scheduled to open the season with Class A Advanced Clearwater or Double-A Reading. "It's disappointing, but it shouldn't be a long-term thing," Jordan said. The Phillies selected Crawford with the 16th overall pick in the 2013 First-Year Player Draft. MLBPipeline.com ranks him as the No. 22 prospect in baseball. Crawford hit a combined .285 with 23 doubles, 11 home runs, 48 RBIs, 24 stolen bases and a .781 OPS in 538 plate appearances last season with Class A Lakewood and Clearwater.

Hollands Weighing Options – Mario Hollands has a firm grip on reality, but he still has a sliver of hope he will avoid surgery on his left elbow. Hollands has a torn common flexor tendon, which is the same injury that is likely to end Cliff Lee's career. Hollands visited Phillies physician Michael Ciccotti this week in Philadelphia to discuss his recent MRI results. Surgery has been recommended because Hollands' first attempt at rehab failed -- the injury first surfaced in September, which ended his 2014 season -- but he has two other options: rest and PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma) injection. "I wanted to do the PRP and rest, because I wanted to help the team this year. I wanted to play," Hollands said. "That's still in my head because I want to play so bad, but I am a little worried because it's the second time, so I don't know if rest or PRP will be the only solution. So surgery, I'm thinking about it pretty hard." Hollands will seek a second opinion from Dr. James Andrews. He hopes to have his recommendation soon. Hollands' difficult choice is this: if he elects rest or PRP and it fails a second time, he risks not being healthy at the beginning of the 2016 season. The Phillies said the recovery from this type of surgery is six to eight months. "It would be heartbreaking if it came back again after rest," Hollands said. In that sense, surgery might be the safest option. "That'll help just seal it up, and hopefully it will never be a problem again," Hollands said. Hollands made the team last season as a non-roster invitee. He went 2-2 with a 4.40 ERA in 50 appearances. Hollands' injury opens up a bullpen job. Four spots are locked up with Jonathan Papelbon, Ken Giles, Jake Diekman and Justin De Fratus. Andy Oliver, Luis Garcia and Jeanmar Gomez are the leading candidates for the final three jobs.

Lohman On The Totem Pole – The Phillies announced Thursday they have acquired shortstop Devin Lohman from the Reds for future considerations. He will report to Minor League camp. Lohman, 25, hit .245 with 16 doubles, two triples, five home runs, 29 RBIs and a .661 OPS with Double-A Pensacola. The Reds selected him in the third round of the 2010 First-Year Player Draft.

ON THE RECORD:

The Phillies will look to rebound this season from a 73-89 record last year. While uncertainty abounds, there is little question that the franchise is in rebuild mode based on the moves and statements that have been made during the offseason. The only question that remains is whether or not the young and veteran talent on the team can work together to disprove Gillick’s predictions either this year or next.

Well, That Wasn’t Very Good!

EXHIBITION GAME RECAP: Astros Pummel Phillies 7-1

Astros shortstop Carlos Correa powered the Astros to a 7-1 victory over the Phillies on Wednesday at Bright House Field. Correa, who is the Astros' top prospect, doubled to score a run in the second inning and hit a solo home run to left field in the fourth inning against Phillies right-hander Miguel Alfredo Gonzalez, who is competing for the fifth spot in Philadelphia's rotation. Hank Conger followed Correa's homer in the fourth with a solo home run to right field. It was Conger's first of the spring.

TODAY’S EXHIBITION GAME:

The Phillies host the Blue Jays at Bright House Field at 1:07 p.m. ET on Thursday. Left-hander Cole Hamels will start, and fans can listen to an exclusive webcast on phillies.com. The club hasn't made a formal announcement, but Hamels will make one more Spring Training start before taking the ball for Philadelphia on Opening Day.

PHILS NOTES:

• Phillies right fielder Domonic Brown hit Wednesday for the first time since leaving last Thursday's game because of tendinitis in his left Achilles. Brown expects to try running Thursday, and he is hopeful to be ready by Opening Day.
• The Phillies reassigned infielder Chase d'Arnaud and outfielder Darin Mastroianni to Minor League camp following Wednesday's game.
• The right-hander did not help his cause to make the rotation. He allowed eight hits, four runs, two home runs and struck out one in four innings. He has a 7.53 ERA in five Grapefruit League appearances.
• Cameron Rupp is on his way to making his first Opening Day roster as the Phillies' backup catcher. He doubled in the fifth inning and is hitting .391 in 11 Grapefruit League games. He has outplayed his only competition, veteran Koyie Hill (0-for-11).
• Ben Revere and Odubel Herrera have started four consecutive games together, with Revere in left field and Herrera in center field. It could be a look Phillies manager Ryne Sandberg uses in season.
• "They hit all of them." -- Gonzalez, when asked if any particular pitch caused him problems in his four innings of work.

PHILS PHACTS:

Rupp Ripping Into Backup Role – Cameron Rupp should be a cinch to be Carlos Ruiz's backup on the Opening Day roster. The Phillies have not announced anything with the opener 12 days away, but Rupp is hitting .391 (9-for-23) with five doubles and three RBIs in 11 Grapefruit League games. He doubled in the fifth inning in Wednesday's 7-1 loss to the Astros at Bright House Field. "He's making contact," Phillies manager Ryne Sandberg said. "He's shortened his stroke a little bit, and he's strong. It's resulting in some extra-base hits. But Cameron, yeah, he's making some progress there. He's getting some pitches to hit, not missing them. He's driven the ball to all fields, and he has some pop in his bat." Rupp's only serious competition in camp is Koyie Hill, who is hitless in 11 at-bats with three walks and five strikeouts. "I feel confident and comfortable in the box," Rupp said. "I'm taking pitches that I know I can't hit instead of putting a bad swing on it. Now, when I get a pitch in my zone, I'm being aggressive. The swing feels good." Rupp has hit .205 in 78 plate appearances in the big leagues. He hit .165 in 219 plate appearances last season with Triple-A Lehigh Valley. The 26-year-old suffered a strained left oblique in April, which he said put him in a hole. Rupp said Wednesday he now feels like his old self again. Rupp showed he could hit in earlier Minor League seasons. He posted a .720 OPS in Class A Lakewood in 2011, a .770 OPS in Class A Clearwater in '13 and a combined .755 OPS later that season with Double-A Reading and Lehigh Valley. "It feels good to be confident up there," Rupp said. Rupp is intriguing as a backup, because if the Phillies monitor Ruiz's playing time -- he is 36 and has never started more than 113 games behind the plate in any season -- he could get enough at-bats at the big league level to further his development. It looks like he will be getting that opportunity.

Still In The Running For The Rotation – Miguel Alfredo Gonzalez is running out of time, but fortunately for him, the Phillies' fifth-starter options are limited. It might be the only reason Gonzalez remains a candidate to make the club's rotation, if he remains a serious one at all. Gonzalez allowed eight hits, four runs and two home runs in four innings Wednesday in a 7-1 loss to the Astros at Bright House Field. Gonzalez is 0-3 with a 7.53 ERA in five Grapefruit League appearances. He has allowed 25 hits, 12 runs, five home runs, one walk and has struck out seven in 14 1/3 innings. "It's not the right time to be frustrated," Gonzalez told translator Rickie Ricardo. "If I'm going to make mistakes, let it be in Spring Training. If it comes to that, I'll get frustrated in the regular season, but not now." Gonzalez is competing with Kevin Slowey and Sean O'Sullivan for the No. 5 job. Slowey allowed three hits and three runs (two earned) in one inning Wednesday. O'Sullivan is pitching in Minor League camp, but he pitched for the Phillies last season. "We'll continue to look at our options from here to the rest of camp," manager Ryne Sandberg said. "We will have somebody as the fifth starter." Gonzalez is in the second year of a three-year, $12 million contract. The organization is still looking for a return on their investment. "He's just struggling with his control and command and pitches," Sandberg said. Gonzalez allowed back-to-back home runs to Carlos Correa and Hank Conger in the fourth inning. Gonzalez has allowed five home runs this spring, which ties Cleveland's Trevor Bauer, Baltimore's Bud Norris and Detroit's Justin Verlander for the most in baseball. "It doesn't worry me, because it's a decision that's out of my hands," Gonzalez said about his chances of making the team. "I'm here to do my best, and whatever decisions management comes up with, I can live with it. "Physically I feel fine. The only thing has been my location. It's still off, but it's what I'm working on on a daily basis and it's understood with the pitching coach and the coaching staff that I've been working on location."

Needing A Better Mix – If the season started Wednesday, Kevin Slowey's numbers might make him the Phillies' No. 5 starter. But at this point, nobody is a safe bet to win the job. Slowey allowed three hits and three runs (two earned) in one inning Wednesday during a 7-1 loss to the Astros at Bright House Field. He has a 3.72 ERA in six Grapefruit League appearances, allowing nine hits, five runs (four earned), two walks and one home run with seven strikeouts in 9 2/3 innings. His results have been markedly better than Miguel Alfredo Gonzalez, who has a 7.53 ERA. But Gonzalez remains a candidate for the job because of his stuff and his $12 million contract. Sean O'Sullivan also remains one, despite the Phillies reassigning him to Minor League camp March 16. He is building arm strength, which helps his cause if the club isn't comfortable choosing Gonzalez or Slowey. "He's working on his breaking stuff," manager Ryne Sandberg said about Slowey. "He's featuring a lot of fastballs right now. And for him to be a multiple-innings guy, to be a long type of a guy or even to step into the rotation, he needs to mix his pitches, his breaking pitches, work on his breaking pitches. He's thrown a lot of fastballs in his outings." Slowey could be a candidate for the bullpen, although the Phillies have been impressed with Jeanmar Gomez, who could be their choice as a multiple-innings reliever. "For me, the goal is to come north, in whatever capacity that is," said Slowey, who is in camp as a non-roster invitee. "I'm more than willing to do it. Like I said, I've done both in my career. I feel like I have that ability, and whatever they ask me to do, I'll do."

Pitching For A Bullpen Spot – The Phillies entered Spring Training with plenty of candidates for three bullpen vacancies. Right-hander Jeanmar Gomez might have received the least amount of attention, but he has an excellent chance to make the team with Opening Day just 12 days away. Gomez, who posted a 3.28 ERA in 78 appearances the past two seasons with Pittsburgh, allowed one hit and struck out two in two scoreless innings Wednesday in a 7-1 loss to the Astros at Bright House Field. He has a 1.04 ERA in seven Grapefruit League appearances, allowing nine hits, one run, one walk and striking out four in 8 2/3 innings. "He's been pretty impressive," Phillies manager Ryne Sandberg said. "I like him with his command. He works ahead in the count. For me, he's a candidate for a two-inning stint out of the bullpen. He has the experience. He also throws strikes, and he throws strikes with his slider right from the get-go out of the bullpen." Jonathan Papelbon, Ken Giles, Jake Diekman and Justin De Fratus are locks to make the bullpen. Right-hander Luis Garcia and left-hander Andy Oliver have the inside track on two jobs. Garcia has not allowed a run in seven innings this spring. Oliver, who is a Rule 5 Draft pick, has allowed two runs with 16 strikeouts in 8 1/3 innings. Gomez might lead the pack for the last spot. Other candidates include right-hander Phillippe Aumont (3.52 ERA in six appearances), Paul Clemens (5.19 ERA in four appearances), left-hander Cesar Jimenez (5.87 ERA in six appearances), right-hander Hector Neris (5.87 ERA in seven appearances) and right-hander Kevin Slowey (3.72 ERA in six appearances). Aumont is out of options, which could be a factor. Slowey is a candidate to be the team's No. 5 starter, but he could slide into a long-man role in the bullpen. "I feel good," Gomez said. "I worked hard in the offseason. I'm healthy."

Banking On A Big Bat – Freddy Galvis needs to display more offense than he has shown during Spring Training and in his 550 plate appearances with the Phillies. The Phillies hope a bigger bat will help. Galvis has been using a Louisville Slugger U1 bat this spring. It is 35 inches, 33 ounces, which makes it longer and heavier than his standard bat (34 inches, 31 ounces). It also has a smaller knob, which makes a hitter less inclined to swing out of his shoes. The Phillies believe the heavier bat -- the same model used by Roberto Clemente and many others -- will prevent Galvis from swinging too hard. "It's a bat that's not about being down on the nob and over swinging for home runs," Phillies manager Ryne Sandberg said. "He's taken to it very well. It's been a good thing for him." Galvis singled in Wednesday's 7-1 loss to the Astros at Bright House Field to raise his batting average to .280, but with no walks and no extra-base hits, his .560 OPS is lackluster, well off his .621 career mark in the big leagues. But Galvis said the bat is serving its purpose. He believes his swing is shorter and more compact, and he has found that when he connects the ball still sails. "It's heavy," Galvis said. Galvis said it did not take long to get accustomed to it, but he noticed after swinging it during early work and during batting practice before the game his arms started to tire. So now he is using his regular bat before games and carrying the U1 to the plate once the game begins. Galvis said he has ordered more U1's and plans to try them out during the regular season. "I knew I over swung, but I didn't know with the heavy bat I'd have more control," Galvis said. "I thought with a heavy bat I'd have to do more to get to the ball. But what it showed me is if you relax your hands and let the ball come to you and throw the bat [at the ball], that's it. Because when you hit it good, it's going to go."

Put Me In Coach – |It's safe to say that Roy Halladay is enjoying retirement. The eight-time All-Star and two-time Cy Young Award-winner has been spending his down time trolling fans wearing his shirsey, going to the zoo with the guy who runs a blog about going to the zoo with Roy Halladay and coaching his son's baseball team. On Tuesday evening, Halladay took to Twitter to brag that his favorite baseball player in the whole wide world stopped by practice to speak to his youth baseball team. Oh, and his favorite baseball player in the whole wide world just so happens to be Phillies All-Star second baseman, Chase Utley: Just look at those two dad bros doin' what dad bros do best: Wearing weird shoes without laces and constantly asking everyone to take pictures in Florida.

A Reason To Watch The Goldbergs – There are some things from our childhoods that we know we'll never be able to do again, like drink Surge or rent VHS tapes. But thanks to ABC's "The Goldbergs," we can revisit one thing we thought was gone forever: The Vet. On this week's episode of the family sitcom, Adam Goldberg and his dad go to a game in Veteran's Stadium, where the Phillies played from 1971-2003. You thought it you'd never see it again, but thanks to the magic of TV, look! There it is: Maybe you really can go home again. But it might take some work. Adam spends most of the episode lost in the stadium, looking for his dad: Your browser does not support iframes. Though he doesn't find him right away, he does find someone else: Happily, the two are soon reunited. But the most important thing about this episode isn't the resurrected Vet or the message of family togetherness. Nope, it's this bedazzled Phillies jersey that Adam's older brother Barry wears during the ending credits: We'll take ten, please.

ON THE RECORD:

The Phillies will look to rebound this season from a 73-89 record last year. While uncertainty abounds, there is little question that the franchise is in rebuild mode based on the moves and statements that have been made during the offseason. The only question that remains is whether or not the young and veteran talent on the team can work together to disprove Gillick’s predictions either this year or next.

I Wonder What The Goldbergs Think Of This Phillies Team?

EXHIBITION GAME RECAP: Phillies Beat Braves 5-3

Ryan Howard and Darin Ruf damaged Mike Foltynewicz's rotation bid with back-to-back third-inning home runs, and Brian Bogusevic delivered a decisive eighth-inning sacrifice fly for the Phillies in Tuesday afternoon's 5-3 win over the Braves at Champion Stadium. Howard's third home run of the Grapefruit League season highlighted the Phillies' offensive charge, after they struck first with Bogusevic's second-inning RBI single. The Braves remained scoreless until Andrelton Simmons highlighted a game-tying, three-run seventh with a two-run homer off Paul Clemens.

TODAY’S EXHIBITION GAME:

The Phillies host the Astros on Wednesday afternoon at Bright House Field at 1:05 p.m. ET. It is another important start for right-hander Miguel Alfredo Gonzalez, who is competing for a job in the Phillies' rotation. Gonzalez's performance this spring has been uneven at best, but a solid outing Wednesday could put him in good position to make the team. Watch the game live on MLB.TV.

PHILS NOTES:

• Phillies pitching prospect Severino Gonzalez allowed four hits and struck out two in three scoreless innings. He got the start because Aaron Harang remained in Clearwater, Fla, where he threw in a Minor League game. Gonzalez is the organization's No. 15 prospect, according to MLB.com.
• It looks like Ruf is getting on track offensively. He went 3-for-5 with one double, one home run and one RBI against the Braves. He has homered twice in the past six games and remains in line for one of the Phillies' five bench jobs.
• Phillies right fielder Domonic Brown is not sure if he will be ready for Opening Day. He has been sidelined since Thursday because of tendinitis in his left Achilles. He said he hopes to begin running in the next couple of days.
• Phillies right-hander Chad Billingsley is scheduled to pitch in a Minor League game Thursday in Clearwater, Fla. The Phillies are hoping Billingsley, who is recovering from a pair of elbow surgeries, will be ready to join the rotation in late April.
• Umpire Hunter Wendelstedt walked off the field following Howard's homer. Play had been briefly halted earlier in the inning when it appeared Wendelstedt was having trouble keeping his balance while standing near first base. 

PHILS PHACTS:

Brown Questionable For Opening Day – Phillies right fielder Domonic Brown has just 13 days to get himself ready for Opening Day. He cannot say if he will make it, but he said the tendinitis in his left Achilles has improved in the past couple days. Brown left Thursday's Grapefruit League game in the third inning because the Achilles bothered him. "I'm feeling better, much better," Brown said Tuesday morning at Bright House Field. "I'm not going to lie to you guys, I was a little nervous there before the MRI. "Hopefully I can be back on the field in another week or so." Brown said he expects to start running in the next few days. In the meantime, he is receiving treatment, riding a bike and playing catch. He has not hit since Thursday. "Hopefully I can be ready for Opening Day," he said. "That's the goal right now, but we'll see what happens. I'm excited it wasn't a tear or anything like that. We're moving in the right direction." If Brown is unable to play Opening Day, the Phillies could open with Ben Revere, Odubel Herrera and Grady Sizemore or Darin Ruf in the outfield.

Ruf Waking Up – Phillies outfielder Darin Ruf had a slow start to spring, but he remains in good shape to make the Opening Day roster. The Phillies need right-handed bats, preferably with power. Ruf fits that description, and in Tuesday's 5-3 victory over the Braves at Champion Stadium, he went 3-for-5 with one double, one home run and one RBI. He also scored the go-ahead run in the eighth. Ruf is hitting .385 (5-for-13) with one double, two home runs and two RBIs in his last five games. He opened the spring hitting .172 (5-for-29) with one double in nine games. "I would narrow that down to maybe the last three [games]," Ruf said about feeling better at the plate. "I'm feeling a little more comfortable. I've been working on something new every day, just changing things up to try to get comfortable. My timing has been better." Ruf took some at-bats in Minor League games last week, which seemed to help. "I think my hands were creeping a little too far up," Ruf said. "I worked with Mike [Schmidt] and Sal [Rende], and I started my hands back a little more. That way when I start my swing, they're a little bit quicker." Said Phillies manager Ryne Sandberg: "[He's been] a little more aggressive. I think he's found a stance that he likes as far as the hand slot. He's real short to the ball and aggressive in the count. That's a good combination from him. That's kind of what we've been preaching to him. It's good to see him take advantage of those hitting situations and be swinging the bat in those counts."

The Other Gonazalez Is Looking Good – Phillies prospect Severino Gonzalez is listed at 6-foot-1 and 153 pounds. He is so unassuming, he looked like the bat boy as he carried a couple bats and a batting helmet toward the visitors' clubhouse Tuesday at Champion Stadium. But Gonzalez, 22, had just pitched three scoreless innings in a 5-3 victory over the Braves. He held a lineup that included Freddie Freeman, Nick Markakis and Jonny Gomes to four hits. He struck out two. "I'm very, very happy," he said through an interpreter, radio personality Rickie Ricardo. "It was my first time ever in a Major League game, so I'm very pleased." Gonzalez is the organization's No. 15 prospect, according to MLB.com. The Phillies named him their Minor League Pitcher of the Year in 2013, but he struggled a bit in his second season with Double-A Reading in 2014. There is a plausible explanation for that. The Phillies told Gonzalez to stop throwing his cutter and work on his changeup, which needed to improve. He went 9-13 with a 4.59 ERA in 27 starts, although he finished in the Top 10 in the Eastern League in innings pitched, strikeouts and WHIP. He led the entire Phillies' farm system in starts and innings. He got the start Tuesday because Aaron Harang pitched in a Minor League game at Carpenter Complex in Clearwater, Fla. Harang has been battling back problems this month, so there was no reason to put him on a lengthy bus ride. Gonzalez got the good news on Sunday. "I was nervous when I first found out, but then I said to myself: 'It's the same kind of baseball. All I have to do is go out there, do my thing, and everything will be fine,'" Gonzalez said. Gonzalez thinks everything will be fine this season, too. He has big goals. "I want to get called up in September," he said. "I want a taste of the Major Leagues this year." He got his first taste Tuesday, and he fared well, impressing manager Ryne Sandberg. "I think he backed up [wanting a callup] with his outing," Sandberg said. "ESPN game against the Braves. They had some good hitters in the lineup that he faced. Great pace of game. Great tempo. He threw a lot of strikes. He mixed his pitches well. I really liked the way he got the sign and delivered the pitch."

Is Harang Health? – Right-hander Aaron Harang remained on schedule to start the second game of the regular season against the Red Sox at Citizens Bank Park, if that's what the Phillies decide, after pitching five innings against a Pirates Class A lineup on Tuesday at the Carpenter Complex. Harang, who has had scheduled starts pushed back twice this spring because of lower back discomfort, allowed three runs on seven hits with no walks and five strikeouts. He threw 74 pitches, 54 for strikes, and then he went to the bullpen at Ashburn Field and threw seven more pitches. Most importantly, he said he experienced no physical problems. "It felt good. No problems getting up and down," said the 36-year-old, who threw to regular catcher Carlos Ruiz. "I felt like I had pretty decent command. Not great. But when you come over and throw one of these back-field games, it's more about just a feel. These guys want to come out and swing hard and swing early, so it makes you have to pitch backwards -- work on your offspeed stuff early in the counts and then go back to fastballs." He has been back to his normal workout routine for the last several days. Harang sailed through his first four innings, including an extra batter in the second after he needed only eight pitches to record three quick outs. He needed 21 pitches to get through the fifth when he gave up two runs on four hits. "The last inning, I was specifically working out of the stretch from the get-go, just to make sure I had a feel for that," he said. Harang's next start is expected to come Sunday against the Tigers at Bright House Field. The decision for him to pitch in a Minor League game on Tuesday was made partly to allow him to avoid the two-hour bus ride to Lake Buena Vista, Fla., for the team's Grapefruit League game against the Braves. "It was nice to be in that controlled environment, because if I got in a situation, I wasn't trying to battle through and potentially [come] out in the third or fourth inning," he said. Harang will likely aim for 85 to 90 pitches his next time out.

Billingsley Ready To Return – Phillies right-hander Chad Billingsley hopes to clear another hurdle in his recovery Thursday. He is scheduled to pitch a Minor League game at Carpenter Complex. Billingsley, 30, is recovering from a pair of right elbow surgeries, which have limited him to just 12 innings in the big leagues over the previous two seasons. Billingsley is expected to throw 30 to 35 pitches, about two innings of work. "Then do it again," Billingsley said. The Phillies have indicated Billingsley could make a Grapefruit League appearance before the team heads to Philadelphia on April 2, but he said he is not focused on that. "I'm not thinking that far ahead," Billingsley said. "When you've been going through two years of rehab, you don't look beyond the next week or the next start or the next whatever. You just kind of approach it one start at a time and put all your focus on doing your rehab and your treatment to get to the next step. I'm just getting ready for Thursday." Billingsley's bid to return to the big leagues is worth following. First, the Phillies need starting pitching help. Second, if Billingsley comes back and pitches successfully, he could be a valuable trade chip come July.

Jockeying For Bench Position – It is pretty clear that Cord Phelps has made a favorable impression on Phillies coaches this spring. Phelps, who is a non-roster invitee, hit third for the Phillies in Tuesday's 5-3 win over the Braves at Champion Field. In 13 games, he is hitting .303 (10-for-33) with one double, one home run, five RBIs, seven walks, six strikeouts and an .849 OPS. Phelps has emerged as a legitimate candidate to make the Phillies' bench as a utility player with Opening Day only 13 days away, although he might have to beat out Cesar Hernandez. Hernandez entered camp as a favorite if for no other reason than that he is out of options, and the Phillies' front office places considerable importance on that. But Hernandez entered Tuesday hitting a mere .088 (3-for-34) with two doubles, one RBI, four walks, six strikeouts and a .352 OPS in 16 games. "You want to show what you can do and try to take advantage of every opportunity," Phelps said. "That's just good preparation for the season, because you never know how things are going to play out. That's a skill we try to develop. Maybe you don't know when you're going to get in there, but when you do, you try to perform at your highest level. I feel like I'm having good at-bats. I feel like I'm putting balls in play with hard contact." The Indians selected Phelps, 28, in the third round of the 2008 First-Year Player Draft. He has hit .280 with an .800 OPS in 681 games in the Minor Leagues, but just .155 in 126 plate appearances in the big leagues. "This game is a crazy game," said Phelps, when asked why his Minor League numbers have not translated into a longer look in the big leagues. "Everybody does the best they can to play and get an opportunity. You've got to be a really good player, but you also have to be in the right situation. That's what everybody is hunting for. We prepare, but there is a lot of stuff out of your hands. You just hope you get into a situation where your skill set matches their needs." Right place, right time. "That's life in general," Phelps said. Phelps could be in the right place with the Phillies. Odubel Herrera, Darin Ruf and Cameron Rupp appear to have a hold on three bench jobs. (Herrera could find himself in the Opening Day lineup as well as he has played.) Phelps and Hernandez are competing for a fourth spot as a utility infielder. Jeff Francoeur, Brian Bogusevic and Jordan Danks could be fighting for an outfield job. Andres Blanco remains a possibility if the Phillies want a second utility infielder. Phelps came up as a second baseman, but has played first base, third base, shortstop, left field and right field. His versatility helps his cause, especially on a National League team. "He's come in and done a nice job," Phillies manager Ryne Sandberg said. "He shows his versatility. He's a switch-hitter. He's hit the ball well. He's done situational hitting very well. He's competing for a job."

Welcome Back To The Vet – Veterans Stadium could be an intimidating place for opposing teams and opposing fans. It could be scarring for young Phillies fans, too. Adam Goldberg knows. He is the executive producer and creator of ABC's "The Goldbergs," a sitcom about his family in 1980s suburban Philadelphia. The show is a love letter to the '80s and Philly, and has made numerous Philly references since its 2013 debut, including a remake of a Flyers game at the Spectrum. "The Goldbergs" gives the Phillies and The Vet some love in "The Lost Boy" episode at 8:30 p.m. ET on Wednesday. "Some of my best memories were going to Phillies games with my dad [Murray, portrayed by Jeff Garlin], going to Veterans Stadium," Goldberg said in an interview with MLB.com. "There was one particular instance where we got separated, and in the '80s when you got separated from somebody in a big place without a cell phone, there was no way to find them. So I was telling this story [in the writers' room] about how I went with my dad to a Phillies game and we got separated. And there was this panic you felt, because Veterans Stadium was so big and so scary. It was terrifying. It's really an episode about Adam's [portrayed by Sean Giambrone] transition into manhood as he learns to survive in Veterans Stadium by himself." But at one point, it looked like the episode would not happen. The scripts for "The Lost Boy" and an earlier episode, "Barry Goldberg's Day Off," were not initially cleared by Major League Baseball. Goldberg expressed his frustrations on Twitter. Phillies director of marketing and special projects Michael Harris quickly contacted Goldberg on the social media site, and later that night, they were on the phone resolving the scripts' issues. It turns out one joke caused the biggest hiccup. Goldberg said he "very cavalierly" wrote a joke in "Barry Goldberg's Day Off" about Barry Goldberg (Adam's older brother, portrayed by Troy Gentile) being pelted by batteries at a Phillies game after he caught a ball. "And here come the batteries," the announcer said. "That one line they were like, 'Oh, boy. That's a nonstarter. That's something we never want to happen again. We don't want to encourage it,'" Goldberg said. "When I heard that was the concern, I was like, 'Oh, I totally get what you're saying. We'll remove it.' "They had concerns about the scripts as any franchise would, be it sports or even when we try to get an '80s movie cleared. Everyone wants their property to be portrayed in the right way, and they have concerns." Said Harris: "Once Adam and I directly connected, we were able to resolve [the concerns] instantaneously. A good old-fashioned phone conversation is all it took. He was able to quickly tweak a few things without impacting the original integrity and intent of the scenes. It's obviously a comedy, and everything is in good fun. Adam is a big fan of the team, and obviously we're thrilled the Phillies will be featured on such an enormously popular national TV show." But clearance meant Goldberg had to recreate The Vet, which was imploded in March 2004. It was a challenge. The show does not have a massive budget, so it could not build something from the ground up. It could not use CGI. It essentially reconfigured a college football stadium near Los Angeles and had two days to shoot everything. A crew recreated the stands, yanking out the seats and replacing them with the ones Goldberg remembered. It recreated the concourses, concession stands and bathrooms, looking at old photographs as a guide. "Those bathrooms," Goldberg said. "Those giant troughs that you had to pee in with the drunk fans. You're so crowded in. I remember having stage fright for the first time, having to go so bad, but being so freaked out by the experience, I couldn't go. "I know I'm going to get tweets and Facebook messages about how they saw an orange seat, and they were blue or green. But it's what I'm working with. At the very least, I got approval from the Phillies. They're being as cooperative as possible. They're being awesome, and within my budget, I'm trying to do as much as I can. It was so ripe for material. This episode came out so easily, because we all have so many experiences going to Phillies games [at] Veterans Stadium." Goldberg also looked into recreating the Phanatic, but found it cost about $8,000 for a reproduction. He asked Harris if they could send him a Phanatic costume. "How about we send you the Phanatic?" Harris replied. "I think they're seeing that this show is a love letter to everything we grew up with," Goldberg said. "They're excited to be part of that, which is very cool. Some of my best memories were going to watch those Phillies games. This was a way that [my father] could connect with us. There was an awesome activity going on, we didn't have to talk that much and we could cheer and be on the same team. And even though I didn't really know all of the players and my dad would have to tell me what was going on, it was still some of my fondest memories of him. So it always holds a big place in my heart."

Immortalizing Dickie – Dickie Noles' phone and inbox blew up in November 2013, when ABC's "The Goldbergs" mentioned his name. In the "Call Me When You Get There" episode, Jeff Garlin's character, Murray Goldberg, was watching a Phillies' World Series game when he yelled, "Oh! What is that pitch?! That's garbage! I hate you, Dickie Noles!" The show is set in suburban Philadelphia in the 1980s, and it plays loose with the years and sequence of events because, hey, it makes the show better and funnier. But hardcore fans know Noles only pitched for the Phillies in the 1980 World Series against the Royals, and his only relief appearance came in a memorable Game 4. Noles replaced Larry Christenson in the first inning and allowed five hits, one run and two walks while striking out six in 4 2/3 innings. But most important, Noles threw a nasty brushback pitch to George Brett, which many credit for turning the series in the Phillies' favor. "I saw it," Noles said about the episode. "I think it was just a reference to Philadelphia sports. He's a Philly fan, right?" Show creator Adam Goldberg is a Philly fan and Wednesday's episode will once again feature a vintage Phillies feel. He is originally from Jenkintown, Pa., and Goldberg laughed when asked why he picked Noles out of all the Phillies' pitchers from the '80s. "That's something I remember my dad screaming as he was watching the Phillies," Goldberg said. "My dad had a bad temper, so he was a yeller. And every time he'd sit home and watch the games, I remember him screaming. I remember being a kid and hearing that name and it just stuck out in my head. That's why I picked it. Everyone in the writers' room was like, 'That is so random.' "The things you remember from when you were a kid. It's so random that you remember that name vividly. Of all the Phillies, you remember Dickie Noles." Said Noles: "It got me a lot of calls from a lot of different people, and some people that are not baseball fans. It's kind of neat that way."

ON THE RECORD:

The Phillies will look to rebound this season from a 73-89 record last year. While uncertainty abounds, there is little question that the franchise is in rebuild mode based on the moves and statements that have been made during the offseason. The only question that remains is whether or not the young and veteran talent on the team can work together to disprove Gillick’s predictions either this year or next.

Phillies Put It Together In HOF Duel

EXHIBITION GAME RECAP: Phillies Top Twins 3-0

Phillies third baseman Cody Asche hit his third home run in five days in Monday's 3-0 victory over the Twins at Bright House Field. Asche will be the team's Opening Day third baseman as the organization hopes to see him take a step forward from 2014, when he hit .252 with 25 doubles, 10 home runs and 46 RBIs in 397 at-bats. "Cody has a nice swing working," Phillies manager Ryne Sandberg said. "He's making good contact. Another thing that he's doing is laying off pitches, avoiding strikeouts and having the count come back to him for strikes to hit. He continues to do real well, a real steady bat for us." The Twins, meanwhile, managed just five hits and were held scoreless for the first time in 20 Grapefruit League games this spring.

TODAY’S EXHIBITION GAME:

The Phillies travel to Lake Buena Vista, Fla., to play the Braves on Tuesday afternoon, live on MLB.TV at 1:05 p.m. ET. Right-hander Aaron Harang will hang back in Clearwater to pitch a Minor League game at Carpenter Complex. He has missed a couple starts this spring because of back problems. Phillies prospect Severino Gonzalez will start. He is the organization's No. 15 prospect, according to MLBPipeline.com.

PHILS NOTES:

• Phillies right-hander David Buchanan continues to pitch well this spring. He allowed two hits and struck out three in five scoreless innings. He has allowed just three earned runs in 16 innings this spring.
• Ben Revere has played exclusively in center field since he joined the Phillies in December 2012, but he has played three consecutive games in left field as the Phillies take a look at Rule 5 Draft pick Odubel Herrera. Herrera has been hitting this spring, and the coaching staff is looking for a way to get Herrera's bat in the lineup.
• The National Baseball Hall of Fame said it believes Monday's game is the first time two current Hall of Famers have faced each other as managers. Twins manager Paul Molitor was inducted in 2004. Sandberg was inducted in 2005. "The fact that it's never happened before is kind of an interesting little piece of trivia, but for me, it's more about managing against a friend." -- Molitor, on managing against Sandberg, the first time two current Hall of Famers have managed against each other.

PHILS PHACTS:

HOF Matchup – Maybe one day it will happen in the regular season, when the results truly matter. But Monday's Grapefruit League game between the Phillies and Twins at Bright House Field was believed to be a first in Major League Baseball history. It was the first time two current Hall of Fame players managed against each other. Twins manager Paul Molitor was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2004. Phillies manager Ryne Sandberg was inducted in '05. "I'm glad to see it," Sandberg said. "The fact that it's never happened before is kind of an interesting little piece of trivia, but for me, it's more about managing against a friend," Molitor said. There have been numerous Hall of Fame players to manage in the big leagues, but one would think more would have made the jump from player to manager. They certainly have the knowledge of the game. They certainly have the pedigree. But some just do not want to take the path it sometimes takes to get there. Both Molitor and Sandberg spent time in the Minor Leagues before they got their shot. "Show baseball that you're interested in it," Sandberg said. "I think in the past, there have been some Hall of Famers that wanted to manage or coach at the Major League level but not go through the channels to earn that right. So, for me, I had to go for experience for myself, but also, I think, to earn the right." "One of the theories I hear often is players that played at a high standard don't have the patience to deal with people that can't meet those standards," Molitor said. "But I don't see that at all. It's kind of how you're wired, what your passion is, and that's putting your time in when you get the opportunity." 

Buchanan Making An Impact – David Buchanan surprised almost everybody in Phillies camp last spring. But he will leave camp this spring as a critical piece to the Phillies' rotation, especially with Cliff Lee almost certainly lost for the season with a torn tendon in his left elbow. Buchanan allowed two hits and struck out three in five scoreless innings Monday in a 3-0 victory over the Twins at Bright House Field. Buchanan has allowed 12 hits, three earned runs, zero walks and has struck out 11 in 16 innings this spring. "It's exciting, honestly," Buchanan said about opening the season with the team. "But I'm not really trying to get caught up in that. I haven't heard anything. I don't know anything. The first two outings [this spring] I was really trying to prove myself because of what happened last year, ending the year on the team. I was stressing to try to prove myself to get a spot [on the team]. I think that's why I wasn't throwing as well." After allowing seven hits, two runs and striking out one in four innings in his first two appearances this spring, he has allowed five hits, two earned runs and has struck out 10 in his last 12 innings. "I've really been focusing on keeping my head still with my mechanics and pounding strike one," Buchanan said afterward. "I probably wasn't as good as I wanted to be today, but getting strike one is a big thing for me. That's what I've really been focused on this spring."

Switching Things Up – It is clear the Phillies really like Rule 5 Draft pick Odubel Herrera, who is a lock to make the Opening Day roster. In fact, Herrera could be working his way into the starting lineup. "The way that he looks this spring, he brings a lot of life to the lineup," Phillies manager Ryne Sandberg said Monday at Bright House Field. "I'm not making up my everyday or Opening Day lineup right now, but he finds himself in there quite often. And he continues to do some little things and bring energy to the field. It's nice to put him in the lineup." The Phillies have started Ben Revere in left field and Herrera in center field for three consecutive games in a move toward that, including Monday's 3-0 Grapefruit League victory over the Twins. Revere has played center field exclusively since he joined the Phillies in December 2012. He has played only 21 games in left field in his Major League career and only 52 games in left in the Minor Leagues. Revere said he is OK with the move. "It's been a little while since I've played there," said Revere, who had not played in left since 2012. "I really adjust quickly. It won't be anything I'm nervous about. They said they just want to see another bat in the lineup, so I just do what the coaches say. "Maybe we'll see it in the regular season, but it's just to get prepared for it." Sandberg said he expects the experiment to continue. "It really gives us a chance to improve our defense in a lot of ways," he said. "Herrera seems most comfortable right now as a young player in center field. I think Ben has showed in the past he does a good job in the corners." Herrera is hitting .357 (15-for-42) with one double, three RBIs, two walks, six strikeouts and four stolen bases in 13 games. One scout said Herrera could be the second-best hitter on the team behind Chase Utley. Sandberg said there are no more restrictions on Utley, who has come along slowly this spring after spraining his right ankle in January. Utley has played second base twice in the past three days after being the Phillies' DH earlier this month. "He's moving around good. He's running well," Sandberg said. "He's feeling pretty good." Sandberg also said Phillies right fielder Domonic Brown remains day to day with tendinitis in his left Achilles. Sandberg said he has no timetable for Brown's return to the field.

(Another) Man Down! – Phillies left-hander Mario Hollands is hoping for the best. He will visit Phillies physician Michael Ciccotti on Tuesday afternoon in Philadelphia to discuss the MRI arthrogram that revealed a tear of his common flexor tendon in his left elbow. It is the same type of injury that is expected to end Cliff Lee's season. "It feels a lot better than last year," said Hollands, who suffered the injury last season. "The range of motion is better. But there's still no word until I get back there. "I don't know how bad Cliff's is. I never asked. I don't think so. I hope not." Hollands' injury clears up the Phillies' bullpen competition. Jonathan Papelbon, Ken Giles, Jake Diekman and Justin De Fratus are locks. Rule 5 Draft pick Andy Oliver is a strong favorite for a spot. Luis Garcia has thrown seven scoreless innings. He also is a favorite. Jeanmar Gomez could be in line for the seventh spot. He has a 1.35 ERA in six appearances.

Looking Into The Future – Phillies fans looking forward to the future will have the opportunity to watch two of the organization's best pitching prospects this week. Right-hander Severino Gonzalez will start Tuesday's Grapefruit League game against the Braves in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. Right-hander Aaron Nola will start Friday's game against the Yankees at Bright House Field. Severino is the organization's No. 15 prospect, according to MLBPipeline.com. Nola is No. 2. "I'm looking forward to that," manager Ryne Sandberg said about Nola's start. "It's an opportunity for him to experience Major League camp and pitch in a Major League game. I'd like to see composure, see strikes. That's what I've heard he throws. I think it'll be a good experience for him." Gonzalez reached Double-A Reading as a 20-year-old in 2013. He struggled a bit last season, but he finished in the top 10 in the Eastern League in innings pitched, strikeouts and WHIP. It would not be a surprise to see Nola, the team's first-round pick in the 2014 First-Year Player Draft, reach the big leagues this season. Scouts and executives agreed Nola was the most polished pitcher selected in last season's Draft. Right-hander Aaron Harang will pitch in a Minor League game Tuesday at Carpenter Complex. Harang has missed a couple starts earlier this spring because of back problems.

ON THE RECORD:

The Phillies will look to rebound this season from a 73-89 record last year. While uncertainty abounds, there is little question that the franchise is in rebuild mode based on the moves and statements that have been made during the offseason. The only question that remains is whether or not the young and veteran talent on the team can work together to disprove Gillick’s predictions either this year or next.