Yesterday afternoon, behind starter David Buchanan, the Phillies blanked the Twins 3-0. A two-run home run from Cody Asche was the highlight for the offense while the pitching impressed as well. Buchanan could start the season as the number two starter behind Cole Hamels if he keeps pitching like he is. In 16 spring innings, he's given up just three runs. While Buchanan is an example of a young pitcher excelling for the Phillies, fans will get to see some more of the teams' top young arms over the next couple of days. Today, pitching prospect Severino Gonzalez makes the start and he will be opposed by the Braves' Mike Foltunewicz.
Severino Gonzalez, 22, is ranked as the number 15 prospect in the Phillies organization according to MLB Pipeline. Though he struggled with Reading last season, he still ended up finishing in the top 10 in the Eastern League in innings pitched, strikeouts and WHIP. Between Reading, Clearwater and Lakewood, Gonzalez posted a 7-5 record to go along with a 2.00 ERA in 2013. His performance was good enough to earn the Paul Owens Award for best pitcher in the organization. Gonzalez took a step back in 2014, pitching 158.2 innings in Double-A. He went 9-13 with a 4.59 ERA, but finished the season strong, holding the opposing team to three runs or less in his last six starts of the year. In other news, Aaron Harang will pitch a minor league game today, aiming to continue recovery from his lingering back stiffness.
The Braves will send Mike Foltynewicz to the mound. Selected by the Astros in the first round of the 2010 draft, Foltynewicz saw some big league time last season for Houston. In 18.2 innings, he posted a 5.30 ERA with 14 strikeouts. He was a part of the trade that sent Evan Gattis to Houston. So far this spring for the Braves, he's allowed seven runs, three earned, in five innings of work. Foltynewicz has struck out six and walked five.
In other pitching news for the Phillies, offseason pickup Chad Billingsley will see his first game action of the spring on Thursday.
Chad Billingsley to pitch in a minor league game Thursday. http://t.co/CTOn6h8K2E
— Todd Zolecki (@ToddZolecki) March 24, 2015
LINEUPS:
Phillies:
Today's #PhilliesST lineup vs #Braves. Severino Gonzalez vs Mike Foltynewicz. 1:05 pm game time on ESPN and @MLBTV. pic.twitter.com/49g5YNcUhB
— Phillies (@Phillies) March 24, 2015
Braves:
Today's #BravesST lineup vs. PHI (1:05, ESPN/1230/1340): pic.twitter.com/a5kqnx8eiS
— Atlanta Braves (@Braves) March 24, 2015
Gametime: 1:05PM
Location: Champion Stadium, Lake Buena Vista, Florida
TV: ESPN
Radio: None
