Phillies Spring Training: Cameron Rupp Adds Unique Regiment to Training

Cameron Rupp wants to be a piece of the Phillies rebuild and adjusted his training regiment during the offseason to help meet that goal

With catchers having so much pressure being placed on their lower body, in particular, the knees, being able to stay fresh and flexible is key. With the power of an ox, Phillies Cameron Rupp looks like the last guy you’d see in a California yoga studio. But that’s essentially what Rupp turned to after his first season as the official everyday starter behind the plate.

Rupp caught a career-high 911.1 innings last year, over 200 more innings from the year prior. To help stay healthy for an arduous baseball season Rupp decided to give yoga a chance.

You kinda realize the benefits of it when you actually stay with it and do it often. You realize, hey, I’m a big more flexible than I thought I was.

When asked what his favorite yoga position is, Rupp sheepishly admitted he doesn’t know what any of the poses are actually called.

Rupp comes into camp with additional pressure this year thanks to the additions of backstop prospects Andrew Knapp and Jorge Alfaro to the 40-man roster. The 28-year-old will need to improve his career .240 batting average while not sacrificing his power.

Knapp is projected to win the backup job and split time with Rupp, while Alfaro develops in Lehigh Valley. Ultimately the Phillies will need to either trade Rupp or have him comfortable enough to accept the backup job once again.