We're almost through the first week of Philadelphia Phillies spring training games. There has been plenty to discuss for those of us that are into games that don't mean anything. There has also been plenty of news outside of game action, with Bryce Harper's comments continuing to make headlines.
It's easy to overreact to spring training. Ideally you want to see everyone get off to a good start (and stay healthy). One newcomer who had a good start to his spring is newcomer Brad Keller, who debuted on Wednesday with an impressive inning of work.
Let's get caught up on what else is going on around Phillies camp.
Phillies Spring Training Update: Andrew Painter scheduled for his spring debut
During the Phillies' 5-3 win over the Detroit Tigers on Wednesday, manager Rob Thomson divulged his starting pitching plans to take the Phillies through the weekend. One of those in line for his first start is top pitching prospect Andrew Painter, who will get the nod for his spring debut on Sunday at BayCare Ballpark.
Painter, 22, will follow veteran Taijuan Walker on Thursday, Aaron Nola on Friday, and Cristopher Sánchez on Saturday.
After struggling last year in his first full season back from Tommy John surgery, Painter sounds and looks more than ready to finally assume the starting role he almost had in 2023. With Zack Wheeler not scheduled to be ready for Opening Day, the Phillies are counting on Painter to step into the big leagues right out of the gate.
How he'll fare remains to be seen, but fans will get their first look at him on Sunday (most likely just for one inning) when the Phillies welcome the New York Yankees to Clearwater.
Phillies Spring Training Update: Brandon Marsh sidelined with hand injury
While the goal is to get everyone to Opening Day in one piece, it's not always possible. This time of year things crop up. With the Phillies already facing delays with prospects Aidan Miller (back) and Gabriel Rincones Jr. (knee), you can add Brandon Marsh to the list of players on the sideline.
The Philadelphia Inquirer's Lochlahn March reported that Marsh jammed his hand on Tuesday during sliding practice, of all things. The Phillies are playing it safe and will keep the outfielder out of action until at least next Tuesday.
"Brandon Marsh jammed his hand into the ground during sliding practice yesterday and has some inflammation/soreness. The Phillies are being cautious with him and he likely won’t play until after Monday’s off day," March reported on Wednesday.
Brandon Marsh jammed his hand into the ground during sliding practice yesterday and has some inflammation/soreness. The Phillies are being cautious with him and he likely won’t play until after Monday’s off day.
— Lochlahn March (@lochlahn) February 25, 2026
The left-handed hitting Marsh is slotted in as the Phillies' starting left fielder this season, in the strong side of a platoon with (most likely) Otto Kemp. The Phillies will be looking for Marsh to repeat his 2025 season after he returned from an April slump and leg injury. From May 3 on, he hit .303 with an .836 OPS while splitting time between left and center field.
Phillies Spring Training Update: Justin Crawford looking good in center field so far
Speaking of the outfield, coming into camp and really the entire offseason, there was much hand-wringing about prospect Justin Crawford. Essentially being handed the Phillies' starting center field job, there's concern about how both Crawford's bat and glove would fare at the big league level.
The 22-year-old got off to a hot start at the plate in his first spring training game last weekend, collecting two hits including a booming double off the center field wall. He has cooled off at the plate since then, now 2-for-9, but it's his defense that has caught our attention. Crawford made a nice running catch on Wednesday.
Justin Crawford showing off the range in center 👀 pic.twitter.com/yMSyELhOkD
— Philadelphia Phillies (@Phillies) February 25, 2026
It also caught the attention of Thomson, who praised the Phillies' No. 3 prospect during his in-game interview.
"He's really gotten off the ball, getting good jumps and good reads," Thomson said about Crawford's defense this spring.
Crawford spent the winter working on his defense. He learned body positioning and improved his first steps to get better jumps so as not to have to rely on his top-tier speed to make every play. The Phillies are hoping that translates into good enough defense in the regular season to allow him to hold down a starting job.