It's finally time for baseball, Philadelphia Phillies fans. After some exhibition games began on Friday, the Phillies begin their Grapefruit League schedule on Saturday. They'll head to TD Ballpark in Dunedin to take on the Toronto Blue Jays in a 1:05 p.m. ET start. And with an actual game of baseball comes manager Rob Thomson's first spring training lineup of 2026 featuring a new outfield anchored by Justin Crawford.
Being the first spring game and on the road, it was unlikely that we'd see any of the Phillies' veteran regulars. But we were still wondering who would get a crack at the first spring lineup. Turns out we got a healthy mix of youngsters and veterans, familiar faces and newcomers to keep things interesting. Regardless, they’ll all be trying to make a good impression from the jump.
We already knew that the Phillies would be starting right-hander Bryse Wilson, who signed a minor league deal in the offseason. As a non-roster invitee, Wilson has a chance this spring to show what he can do and try to secure himself a spot in the limited starting depth pecking order.
Here’s how the rest of the lineup shakes out.
Our first lineup of the spring! pic.twitter.com/gqh57c5kNu
— Philadelphia Phillies (@Phillies) February 21, 2026
Justin Crawford headlines new-look outfield in Phillies’ first spring lineup of 2026
- CF Justin Crawford
- RF Adolis García
- SS Edmundo Sosa
- LF Otto Kemp
- DH Bryan De La Cruz
- C Rafael Marchán
- 2B Dylan Moore
- 3B Christian Cairo
- 1B Keaton Anthony
The most exciting part of this starting nine is obviously top prospect Justin Crawford hitting lead off and manning center field. The 22-year-old is vying to grab the Opening Day job this spring. He essentially has the job in his back pocket but will still have to show enough in Grapefruit League action to make the Phillies feel comfortable going with him to begin the season.
We’ll also get to see the rest of the Phillies’ new outfield. Offseason free agent signing Adolis García is in right while Otto Kemp gets his first start in left. Heading into his second MLB season, Kemp is the early favorite to be the short-side platoon this season opposite Brandon Marsh.
Along with the new outfield, we are looking forward to seeing a couple of familiar faces like Edmundo Sosa at shortstop and Rafael Marchán behind the plate.
There are also some other interesting names in this lineup, with non-roster invitees Bryan De La Cruz and Dylan Moore getting their first starts of the spring. De La Cruz brings some potential power to the lineup, while the veteran Moore brings versatile Gold Glove defense. Both are candidates in the Phillies’ spring battle for a bench spot.
We could see some of the veteran stars get into action on Sunday as the Phillies will be back in Clearwater for their spring home opener at BayCare Ballpark against the Pittsburgh Pirates.