Hellickson takes the mound against Sims, Braves

By: Matt Rappa, managing editor

CLEARWATER, Fla. — The Philadelphia Phillies will take on one of their National League East division rivals—the Atlanta Braves—Friday afternoon in spring training baseball.

Phillies relievers scheduled to enter in relief are as follows: Non-roster invitee right-handers Gregory Infante, Chris Leroux and Andrew Bailey.


Starting Pitching Matchup:

Atlanta Braves (1-1-1) Philadelphia Phillies (1-2-1)
RHP Lucas Sims RHP Jeremy Hellickson
(2015, MiLB: 7-6, 4.37 ERA) (2015: 9-12, 4.62 ERA)

Sims, 21, was the No. 54-rated prospect throughout all of baseball by Baseball Prospectus entering last season. Drafted 21st overall in the 2012 amateur draft, the Lawrenceville, Georgia, native posted a 4-2 record with a 3.21 ERA in nine starts last season with the Double-A Mississippi Braves.

Hellickson, 28, will get his first taste of Grapefruit League action this spring. On Sunday, Feb. 29 in an exhibition game with the University of Tampa Spartans, the veteran right-hander tossed a perfect first inning en-route to a winning decision. Hellickson will compete with right-hander Aaron Nola this spring to start on Opening Day, which takes place Monday, April 4, in Cincinnati.


Starting Lineups:

Atlanta Braves (1-1-1) Philadelphia Phillies (1-2-1)
  Position Player Bats   Position Player Bats
1 CF Ender Inciarte L 1 CF Tyler Goeddel R
2 SS Erick Aybar S 2 LF David Lough L
3 1B Nick Swisher S 3 3B Maikel Franco R
4 3B Adonis Garcia R 4 1B Ryan Howard L
5 LF Hector Olivera R 5 RF Aaron Altherr R
6 RF Matt Tuiasosopo R 6 DH Nick Williams L
7 2B Jace Peterson L 7 2B Darnell Sweeney S
8 DH Reid Brignac L 8 SS Ryan Jackson R
9 C Braeden Schlehuber R 9 C Cameron Rupp R


Broadcast Information:

  • First pitch: 1:05 p.m.
  • TV: TCN, MLB.TV
  • Radio: N/A

What's Next:

  • Saturday, March 5, 2016: at Toronto Blue Jays, 1:07 p.m.
    • Dunedin - Florida Auto Exchange Stadium
    • RHP Aaron Nola (2015: 6-2, 3.59 ERA) vs. RHP Drew Hutchinson (0-0, 4.50 ERA)
    • TV: SNET-1, MLB.TV; Radio: SportsRadio 94 WIP, SN590
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