Jake Arrieta expects to pitch in a minor-league game Saturday at the Carpenter Complex pic.twitter.com/gReDSppZZb
— Matt Breen (@matt_breen) March 14, 2018
By Matt Rappa, Sports Talk Philly editor 
With just 15 days until Opening Day, time is running out for newly-signed Phillies ace RHP Jake Arrieta to ready himself mentally and physically for the long regular season schedule ahead.
While Arrieta has already begun drills and bullpen sessions at Phillies camp, the right-hander said Wednesday morning his first game action will come Saturday in a minor league game.
"I talked to [Pitching Coach Rick] Kran[itz] today and talked to [Manager Gabe] Kap[ler] a little bit about getting into the game on Saturday," Arrieta said. "[I will] probably do it on a backfield, minor league game to kind of control the scenario."
Arrieta anticipates his Phillies spring debut, albeit a non-Grapefruit League showing, to get up to "50 or so pitches." "That's kind of the mindset, but we'll take it probably inning by inning and see how it goes," Arrieta said.
During his Tuesday introductory press conference at Spectrum Field, Arrieta stated he would have never expected to sign this late into spring training upon hitting free agency this offseason. Yet, Arrieta does not think there will be any issue with him "getting extended quickly."
"I was able to build up throughout the offseason to a point where I feel like I can slide in and be ready for the start of the season," Arrieta said.
"That's the game plan as of right now. I intend for that to go really well."
The Double-A and Triple-A Phillies will play against the Double-A and Triple-A New York Yankees respectively this Saturday at the Carpenter Complex, 1 p.m. in Clearwater. Arrieta will likely pitch against the Triple-A Yankees squad, given his expedited process of preparing for the season.
