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Phillies Open Spring Workouts With Wheeler Out for Opener as Roster Decisions Heat Up

Philadelphia prioritizes pitching depth alongside a Castellanos trade, with prospects pushing for immediate roles.

Overview

  • Pitchers and catchers reported to Clearwater on Feb. 11 and held the first official workouts at the Carpenter Complex.
  • Manager Rob Thomson said Zack Wheeler will miss Opening Day, noting the right-hander is throwing from 90 feet and is expected back soon after.
  • President of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski is pursuing starting-pitching depth and is working to move Nick Castellanos before position players report on Feb. 16.
  • Top prospects Justin Crawford and Andrew Painter are in camp and are projected to break with the club, positioning Crawford for center field and Painter for the rotation.
  • The Phillies open Grapefruit League play on Feb. 21 in Dunedin and begin the regular season March 26 at Citizens Bank Park against the Rangers, with 29 non-roster invitees competing for spots.