Worth noting

• Left-handed reliever Jake Diekman has such nasty stuff that the Phillies don't let just anybody face him in live batting practice. "We're making a conscious effort to have a group that can be somewhat comfortable. So there's some strategy with the hitting groups," said manager Ryne Sandberg.

Sandberg said it's his low release point that can make him difficult to pick up, even for right-handed hitters.

"Just where the ball is coming from. You don't normally see that angle coming in. It's a different arm slot. I've heard some of the guys say you can sort of run out of batter's eye. He's that far out," he said.

• Third baseman Maikel Franco, rated the Phillies No. 2 prospect by MLB.com's Prospect Watch, after batting a combined .320 with 31 homers and 103 RBIs between Class A Advanced Clearwater and Double A Reading last season, has been getting some early work at first base in camp. "We'll see how that pans out, but I want to see him at both positions," said Sandberg.