Just two days after the end of the World Series, all eyes are turned towards the spring. The Phillies announced their spring schedule for 2017.
With the Cubs ending their championship drought with one of the best Game Sevens in baseball history, the MLB offseason is officially underway. The Phillies wasted no time turning towards next spring, announcing the schedule for this spring’s action Friday.
There isn’t much time between when pitchers and catchers report and when the full team will be in Clearwater. The first pitchers and catchers workout is Valentine’s Day, Tuesday, February 14. The first full team workout will be that Friday, February 17. The team may need that extra time to get an extra look at some minor-leaguers trying to crack the Opening Day roster.
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As always, the Phillies will open up their spring schedule with an exhibition game against the University of Tampa on February 23. This year they easily beat the Spartans, taking home an 8-3 win. However, the game is never a guaranteed win. If you recall, the 2015 spring squad lost 6-2 to the collegiate players.
From there, the club will play back-to-back games against the Yankees, with their home opener coming February 25.
Per tradition, the Phils will play a game on St. Patrick’s Day and wear their special green jerseys. The team’s press release says “other highlights include a three-game stretch beginning on March 3 against the Minnesota Twins, followed by a game on March 4 against the Atlanta Braves and the Phillies Alumni Day game on March 5 against the Detroit Tigers.”
The Phillies will play their last game in Clearwater Friday, March 31 against the Rays. The following Monday is the season opener in Cincinatti against the Reds.
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No word has come yet in regards to the “On Deck” series, a game or two in Citizens Bank Park that is still considered a spring training game. Also, it is up in the air if the team will hold another “Phillies Phutures” series in 2017. Last year, the major-league squad took on a squad of prospects in two games, one at Double-A Reading’s FirstEnergy Stadium and one at CBP. The team would only be able to schedule one game between their trip home from Florida and Opening Day, and they may want to rest their players before the season starts.