The Phillies signed right-hander Chase Anderson and left-hander Matt Moore in the offseason because they needed more starting-pitching depth.
Both look like locks to make the five-man rotation with more than half the Grapefruit League schedule in the books. Anderson pitched three scoreless innings and struck out four in Monday’s 4-2 loss to the Yankees at George M. Steinbrenner Field in Tampa, Fla. He has pitched seven scoreless innings in three appearances this spring. Moore has allowed one run in eight innings in three appearances.
“He has something to prove, like myself,” Anderson said. “We’ve enjoyed getting to know each other. Our wives became friends. We both have kids, so we’re about at the same stage of life. It’s been nice to talk to each other, pick each other’s brains. He has a really good breaking ball, so I’ve been asking him how he throws that pitch. I’m excited for him. I’m super happy for his success so far this spring, because it’s going to bode well for us during the season.”
The other two candidates for the final two jobs in the rotation are right-handers Vince Velasquez and Spencer Howard, who could not pitch Monday as scheduled because of lower back spasms. Phillies manager Joe Girardi said they popped up in the morning, but that he expects Howard to be available in a couple of days.
Miller still in mix for Opening Day roster
Brad Miller could not play Saturday because of an issue with his right oblique. Girardi said an MRI on Sunday revealed a “little, low strain.” Girardi said Miller will be evaluated in the next five to six days, but that he remains an option to make the Opening Day roster.
If healthy, Miller is a lock to make the team.
More fans at Citizens Bank Park?
Governor Tom Wolf announced Monday that Pennsylvania is increasing capacities for restaurants, gyms and indoor and outdoor events. Beginning on April 4, Wolf said outdoor venues like Citizens Bank Park can be filled to 50 percent of capacity.
“Maximum occupancy is permitted only if attendees and workers are able to comply with the six-foot physical distancing requirement,” the press release said.
The City of Philadelphia will have to agree to the proposed increases. If it does, it could mean more than 20,000 fans per game next month at Citizens Bank Park, which has a seating capacity of 42,792.
Roster battles
Odúbel Herrera went 0-for-3 with one strikeout, Scott Kingery went 0-for-3 with one strikeout, Roman Quinn went 1-for-3 and Mickey Moniak went 0-for-1 against the Yankees. They are all in the mix for the job in center field. Herrera might be the favorite at this point.
Right-hander Héctor Rondón struggled in two-thirds of an inning. He allowed one hit, two walks and three runs. He has an 11.57 ERA in five appearances. He is competing for a bullpen job. Rondón’s fastball averaged 95.7 mph last season, but it has averaged only 93.5 mph this spring. He said earlier this month that he typically takes time to build up arm strength in the spring. Except, of course, he doesn’t have as much time. He is trying to win a job as a non-roster invitee.
“We expect him to be 96, 97, and he hasn’t been there,” Girardi said. “I think that affects him. We’ll continue to watch him and hopefully he gets there. … I think it’s tougher on the guys that have to make the team. It always is. That’s the nature of Spring Training when you’re fighting for a spot and your performance does matter.”
Mathis has been around a while
Jeff Mathis, 37, is in camp as a non-roster invitee. The veteran catcher has spent parts of 16 seasons in the big leagues. Mathis’ 14 years and 12 days of service time rank him ninth among active players. The eight players in front of him is an impressive list: Albert Pujols, Miguel Cabrera, Yadier Molina, Zack Greinke, Adam Wainwright, Justin Verlander, Jon Lester and Ryan Zimmerman.