There’s an old saying that if a player is doing well in spring training, it’s a sign of things to come in the regular season, but if a player is struggling, it’s just spring training, and once the season starts, they will be ready.
The truth of the matter is that spring training statistics don’t count. Many players, especially veterans, use spring training games to work on different aspects of their games, like tweaking a batting stance or adding a pitch to their repertoire. In many of these cases, the statistics will inevitably take a hit and look worse.
On the flip side, it’s incredibly exciting when a player comes into spring training and performs at a high level. It creates excitement and confidence that the player will perform at the same high level when the regular season rolls around.
Throughout this year’s spring training, the Phillies have had a number of players who have performed incredibly well, but there are also a few players who just can’t seem to get any positive results.
Let’s look at three Phillies players who are going into the regular season on a high note and two players who hope spring training isn’t a sign of how they'll perform in the regular season.
Phillies who are hot: Ranger Suárez
The 28-year-old Ranger Suárez could very well be the key to the 2024 season for the Phillies. As the third pitcher behind aces Zack Wheeler and Aaron Nola, Suárez normally flies well under the radar. But anyone who has watched him pitch, especially in big-game situations, knows he is primed for a major breakout season. His spring training performance has shown that so far.
Throughout spring training, Suárez has arguably been the throwing the best of any pitcher in the entirety of Major League Baseball. In four starts, he has pitched 15 innings, surrendering just five hits, striking out 16 batters, and allowing a grand total of zero runs. He has mowed down the competition and has looked as calm, cool, and collected as ever. His 0.60 WHIP is astonishing and speaks directly to his ability to keep runners off the basepaths.
Another 4 Ks as Mr. Ranger maintains his 0.00 spring ERA 🔥 pic.twitter.com/9TbJPZ25GK
— Philadelphia Phillies (@Phillies) March 20, 2024
The Phillies are looking to the lefty to take a major step in his career and be one of the best pitchers in the league. If his spring training performance rolls into the regular season, it will be hard for any team to get something going against the Phillies starters.
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