As we inch closer to baseball season, the Philadelphia Phillies have everyone in training camp and have begun their full squad workouts in anticipation of spring training games beginning soon. The Phillies kick off their Grapefruit League schedule on Saturday and have now announced their starting pitcher for the opener.
When the Phillies signed veteran right-hander Nabil Crismatt to a minor league contract in December, they added some crucial organizational bullpen depth. Now the 30-year-old non-roster invitee will take the ball for manager Rob Thomson as the starter when the Phillies travel to Lakeland to take on the Detroit Tigers on Saturday, Feb. 22, at 1:05 p.m. ET.
Nabil Crismatt will start the Grapefruit League opener at Detroit on Saturday.
— Destiny Lugardo (@destiny_lugardo) February 18, 2025
Phillies' Grapefruit League opener starter Nabil Crismatt has plenty of starting experience
Crismatt, who hails from Colombia, has a career 3.71 ERA over parts of five MLB seasons, mainly as a reliever. He began the 2024 season with the Los Angeles Dodgers. Despite posting a 2.71 ERA and 1.00 WHIP in seven innings across five relief appearances, he was designated for assignment in May. He pitched in the minors with the Texas Rangers and the San Diego Padres but didn't get another crack at the big leagues.
He may only have one major league start to his name, but Crismatt has started 113 games in the minors and spent the offseason starting in the Dominican Winter League. He made 11 starts for the Gigantes del Cibao, going 5-2 with a 2.65 ERA and 1.03 WHIP. He registered 8.1 K/9 and 1.8 BB/9 during his winter stint.
Crismatt leans heavily on his changeup, but also throws a 92 mph sinker and 90 mph four-seam fastball along with a slider and a curveball.
With a strong spring training, there's a slim chance that Crismatt could sneak onto the Opening Day roster in one of the final bullpen spots. It would be surprising if the Phillies envision Crismatt as a starting pitcher, but they may keep him stretched out in Triple-A and keep him in mind for bullpen help when the need inevitably arises during the season.
Unfortunately, for Phillies fans hoping to get a first look at the 2025 team, the only way to watch this game is by being there in person, as it won't be televised (seriously, what year is it?). At least the Phillies' Grapefruit League home opener at BayCare Ballpark on Sunday, Feb. 23, will be televised. As for how to watch the rest of the games, we've got you covered.
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