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Phillies: Five pitchers to keep an eye on in spring training

By Travis Strominger

PHILADELPHIA, PA - APRIL 20: Hector Neris #50 of the Philadelphia Phillies throws a pitch in the ninth inning during a game against the Pittsburgh Pirates at Citizens Bank Park on April 20, 2018 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Phillies won 2-1. (Photo by Hunter Martin/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA - APRIL 20: Hector Neris #50 of the Philadelphia Phillies throws a pitch in the ninth inning during a game against the Pittsburgh Pirates at Citizens Bank Park on April 20, 2018 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Phillies won 2-1. (Photo by Hunter Martin/Getty Images) /
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PHILADELPHIA, PA – JUNE 17: Starting pitcher Jerad Eickhoff #48 of the Philadelphia Phillies throws a pitch in the first inning during a game against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Citizens Bank Park on June 17, 2017 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Hunter Martin/Getty Images) /

Pitchers and catchers report in less than two weeks. Who should Phillies fans watch in the spring? Five noteworthy names will have lots of eyes on them.

It’s February 1st, and that means it’s spring training month, with Phillies pitchers and catchers set to report on February 13th. Plenty of players are already there, getting ready for what will surely be an intriguing season

Today’s article will not feature Bryce Harper or Manny Machado. Rather, it will focus on four fringe-roster pitchers on which to keep an eye over the next month and a half before the rosters really cut down towards the end of March.

There have been many acquisitions involving pitchers this winter, and the Phillies brass may not be done (see Kimbrel, Craig). However, there will be many new names this time around, including David Robertson, Jose Alvarez (traded for Luis Garcia), James Pazos, and Juan Nicasio (part of Jean Segura trade). Notable departures include Garcia and Luis Avilan.

That’s a pretty solid improvement, which means that some pitchers from a good-but-not-great bullpen will have to compete for roster spots. Plus, if Dallas Keuchel does not land here in free agency, another starter may be considered.

Names that should be set in stone include Robertson, Victor Arano, Tommy Hunter, Seranthony Dominguez, Edubray Ramos, Pat Neshek, Pazos, Nicasio, and Alvarez.

That doesn’t leave a whole lot of room for dark-horse candidates, especially if the Phillies turn to the likes of Craig Kimbrel. Assuming everything holds suit, here are five pitchers that fans should watch during spring training with a shot to make the roster.

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