Jermaine Mitchell gets an opportunity to show off his speed in the leadoff spot today.
With Spring Training winding down the focus of these remaining games tends to be on those trying to make the team. In the case of pitchers, those making the staff tend to play in the minor league games more and more while giving way to prospects or those who might be on the bubble. Today's game in particular at home in Clearwater will be an audition for a few.
On the mound is Phillies prospect Adam Morgan. He has no shot of making the team just yet but will have an opportunity to show what he can do in live action against Major League hitters. Morgan has appeared in two Spring Training games this year, taking the loss on February 27 giving up four runs (only one earned) against the Minnesota Twins in 1 2/3 innings. March 4 against the Pittsburgh Pirates Morgan pitched three clean innings.
Jermaine Mitchell will get an opportunity to not only start a game in the outfield, but to lead off and play center field. Phillies manager Charlie Manuel has remarked a few times that he was impressed with Mitchell's bat. With further indications that Darin Ruf may be headed to AAA for some more seasoning, one roster spot remains and this could be a sign that the Phillies are considering Mitchell for it. Ruf is in the lineup as well hitting sixth and playing left field.
The Braves will pitch starter Paul Maholm today. Maholm has pitched five times this spring. Four of those outings were scoreless outings. The fifth outing was when he got shelled by the Phillies, giving up five earned runs in two and two-thirds innings.
While the Phillies batted their pitchers in recent games they will turn to the designated hitter today since several relievers are scheduled to pitch behind Morgan. Since the Braves are using one of their starting pitchers, he will bat.
Game Notes:
- X-Rays showed Carlos Ruiz is fine after being hit by a pitch during last night's game in Fort Myers.
- Yuniesky Betancourt starts at shortstop with just two days before he either makes the team or is released.
- Freddy Galvis, who would head to the minors if Betancourt makes the team, starts at third base.
Phillies Lineup:
- Jeremaine Mitchell CF
- Yuniesky Betancourt SS
- Chase Utley 2B
- Ryan Howard 1B
- Domonic Brown RF
- Darin Ruf LF
- Laynce Nix DH
- Erik Kratz C
- Freddy Galvis 3B
Adam Morgan will pitch first.
Braves Lineup:
- Jordan Schafer RF
- Ramiro Pena SS
- B.J. Upton CF
- Freddie Freeman 1B
- Dan Uggla 2B,
- Chris Johnson 3B
- Evan Gattis C
- Jose Constanza LF
- Paul Maholm P
First Pitch: 1:05
TV: The Comcast Network
Radio: None
