The Phillies won their Grapefruit League opener on Saturday, beating the Blue Jays 14-13 with four runs in the second inning and 10 in the fifth.
Several Phillies made their spring debuts, including Whit Merrifield at second base and left fielder Colby Allard on the mound. Merrifield led off and went 1-for-3 with a double. Allard started and pitched two innings, allowing two runs and four baserunners while striking out three.
They used the same word Saturday when describing the Phillies group they are now a part of.
“Everyone cheers for everyone here. It's a great culture to be around,” Merrifield said.
“The culture that has kind of been built here over the last few years, from the outside, it's a great club to be a part of and I think it will be a great place to go,” Allard added.
Merrifield, who received $8 million on a one-year deal with a team option, appears to be an important role player for the Phillies. He will play second base, left field, or perhaps third base, and his playing time will increase if Johan Rojas struggles offensively or if an outfielder is injured.
Rojas had a productive offensive afternoon against the Blue Jays with an RBI single and a triple. It was a beautiful start. The Phillies have 30 more before the regular season begins.
“It felt like the first game,” Merrifield said. “Try to get your feet under you, get used to wearing cleats, get used to fast stuff. I'm 35, and I've been through it once or twice.”
The best offensive performance of the day was by cornerback/centerfielder Weston Wilson, who went 2-for-2 with a homer, a double and four RBI.
Nick Nelson and Dylan Coffey, who are battling with Allard and Spencer Turnbull for a spot in the Phillies bullpen as a long man, followed Allard. Nelson struck out, allowing the first six batters he faced to reach base on five hits and a walk. He gave up four runs over two innings. Toronto scored two unearned runs off Coffey.
Whoever doesn't make the team from that group will play regularly in Triple A. Of the four, only Coffey is out of minor league options, meaning the Phillies would have to pass him through waivers first if they want to send him. him down.
“I just want to win,” Allard said. “I hope I can contribute the best I can to help the Phillies win as many games as possible.”
Aaron Nola starts Sunday in Clearwater against the Yankees and is expected to pitch two innings. The Phillies next play road games Monday and Tuesday in Fort Myers, about 2 1/2 hours from BayCare Ballpark. David Buchanan will start Monday against the Red Sox while Christopher Sanchez will pitch Tuesday against the Twins.
