Increased capacity could be coming to CBP

May 11th, 2021

Just in time for the Yankees.

The City of Philadelphia announced on Tuesday that it will lift all capacity limits in every setting beginning on June 11. The Phillies open a two-game series against the Yankees at Citizens Bank Park on June 12, but the Phillies’ immediate plans to increase their capacity at the Bank over the next several weeks are unclear. The team could make an official announcement in the coming days.

“I think it will be great,” said manager Joe Girardi, who managed the Yanks from 2008-17, before Tuesday’s series opener against the Nationals in Washington. “Obviously, the more fans the better the atmosphere. I can’t imagine what that’s going to be like. I haven’t been to Philly [for a sellout] except as [a member] of the opposing team. I’m really actually looking forward to June 11 now.”

The Phillies just played a three-game series against the Braves in Atlanta. The Braves can play at full capacity. They had 38,952 fans on Friday, 39,852 fans on Saturday and 28,829 fans on Sunday.

“It does feel different,” Girardi said.

Updates on Bradley and Romero
Right-hander Archie Bradley (strained left oblique) is scheduled to begin a rehab assignment Wednesday with Triple-A Lehigh Valley. Assuming he needs more than one appearance, he likely will pitch again Saturday.

Bradley said last week that he could rejoin the Phillies as early as May 18 against the Marlins.

His current rehab schedule puts him on schedule to do just that.

Left-hander JoJo Romero landed on the 10-day injured list last week because of a sprained left forearm. Girardi said Romero had further exams on Monday, but they have not received those results.

Struggling Bohm rests
Girardi started Brad Miller at third base in place of Alec Bohm, who was batting .172 with a .448 OPS in his last seven games. Miller was batting .278 with a .783 OPS this season entering Tuesday.

“It’s a way to keep [Miller] going and give Alec a couple days -- yesterday and today -- and maybe that helps him and then we’ll move forward,” Girardi said.

Bohm seemed to be turning things around earlier this month, but his season-long struggles have continued.

“At times he’s chasing a little bit,” Girardi said. “Going out of the zone. I think he was really, really good at [not chasing last season]. Sometimes that can be from a little bit of frustration. He’s hit some balls hard and hasn’t had luck, and sometimes that can lead to frustration. Again, I don’t think he’s far off. But I just thought another day might help him, and it’s a way to get Miller in there.”