Matt Gelb

Phillies’ Andrew Painter, with greater fastball command and intention, is back There was a breeziness to Sunday's spring outing that simply wasn’t present last season as Painter labored during start after start.

Here's @charlottevarnes.bsky.social on two innings for Andrew Painter that were totally normal but meant something because they were normal: www.nytimes.com/athletic/707...

After two straight offseasons of trade rumors, Alec Bohm is just trying to control what he can The Phillies third baseman and pending free agent is back with the team despite plenty of buzz that he wouldn't be.

After two straight offseasons of trade rumors, the Phillies’ Alec Bohm is just trying to control what he can. Story: www.nytimes.com/athletic/707...

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What is Bryce Harper thinking? On baseball, boredom and being a kid, again, in the WBC "I still have a lot to prove to myself," said Harper, one of this generation's greats. It feels like something larger is at stake in 2026.

Bryce Harper is tired of you asking about why he doesn't smile enough -- and many other thoughts heading into his 15th MLB season: www.nytimes.com/athletic/706...

The robot umps are here: What to watch for with ABS this MLB spring training MLB's ABS challenge system is up and running this spring — and it's about to change baseball profoundly. Here's everything you need to know.

New from me:

The robot umps are here!

Here’s what to watch for this spring, including this fascinating question:

What should an umpire say if the catcher asks, “Where was that pitch?”
www.nytimes.com/athletic/706...

New Phillies coach Don Mattingly faces old team while getting to know his new one Mattingly took out the lineup card for the Grapefruit League opener because his old friends were on the other side.

Don Mattingly represents the biggest coaching change the Phillies have made since June 2022. He saw his old team Saturday as he enjoys "freedom to roam" with his new one. How it's going: www.nytimes.com/athletic/706...

That's 104 mph off the bat and 390 feet in the air to the opposite field for Justin Crawford against a big-league lefty, Eric Lauer. Spring has sprung.

A lovely day in Dunedin for the Grapefruit League lid-lifter. Phillies have Bryse Wilson starting with McCambley, N. Hoffman, Lazar, S. Johnson and Walling in relief. Among others. Big game to set the tone for the Pinellas County Cup.

Phillies notes: Bench battle, ‘belief’ in Jonathan Bowlan, Jhoan Duran’s secret pitch? Dylan Moore, a 33-year-old utility player in camp on a minor-league deal, is among the Phillies' options for the final bench spot.

Some observations from Phillies camp as the workouts end and exhibition games begin: www.nytimes.com/athletic/706...

Phillies are bullish on their new bullpen, which will have more defined roles The Phillies are moving back toward a more defined bullpen with roles, bucking a trend across baseball.

Jhoan Duran's day had been done for an hour, but he stuck around to watch Brad Keller throw. The Phillies are excited for a bullpen ... with set roles.

“When you know what inning you’re throwing, you prepare better and you’re ready for pitching.”

Story: www.nytimes.com/athletic/705...

I didn't have him on the roster!

Phillies roster projection 1.0: Filling out the bullpen and bench In the estimation of club officials, the Phillies have four undecided roster spots. Here's our initial projection — and what to watch.

The fake Phillies games start Saturday. Here's a first draft at a possible Opening Day roster, with some observations from camp: www.nytimes.com/athletic/705...

Justin Crawford loves the art of bunting. He aims to embrace it with the Phillies The Phillies are encouraging the speedy center fielder to work on bunting to get on base and create chaos. Crawford is taking it to heart.

Bunting for hits isn’t cool anymore. Maybe Justin Crawford is the guy to bring it back. “I love it,” he said. A silly spring story: www.nytimes.com/athletic/705...

New Phillies Therapy pod with some chatter about the first week of camp: open.spotify.com/episode/6dw8...

Thank you!

Here's Charlotte on a large man in Phillies camp.

Zack Wheeler threw out to 120 feet today for the first time since surgery, Rob Thomson said. Wheeler continues to progress as planned.

Trea Turner said he would’ve been interested in playing in the WBC, but he was not reached out to.

Charlie’s in his spot. First full-squad workout today.

Phillies’ Andrew Painter begins an important spring training with a higher arm slot No pitcher in Phillies camp will be more scrutinized this spring than Painter, who is expected to begin the season in the club's rotation.

No pitcher in Phillies camp will be scrutinized more this spring than Andrew Painter. How one adjustment he's already made could help: www.nytimes.com/athletic/704...

Cast Away Podcast Episode · Phillies Therapy · 02/13/2026 · 49m

Our latest episode from Thursday night/Friday morning, on Castellanos and the end
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After split with Phillies, Nick Castellanos nears deal with Padres: Sources Castellanos, who turns 34 next month, is expected to see time at first base, outfield and designated hitter with the Padres.

From The Athletic’s Dennis Lin: Nick Castellanos is heading to San Diego www.nytimes.com/athletic/704...

Phillies’ Brad Keller found success as a reliever, but embraces starters’ arsenal Keller and the Phillies plan to maintain his five-pitch arsenal — fastball, slider, sweeper, changeup and sinker — to maximize his options.

Brad Keller broke through as a reliever last season. Why he’s still embracing a starter’s arsenal, and what he’s working on as camp begins:
www.nytimes.com/athletic/704...

Guardians pitcher Emmanuel Clase used coded language, rigged pitch in playoff game: Feds (Gift Article) Clase allegedly used language calling batters chickens and roosters in coded messages with co-conspirators discussing the rigged pitches.

“Throw a rock at the first rooster in today's fight."

The alleged pitch-rigging scheme involving Guardians pitchers Emmanuel Clase and Luis Ortiz included some foul language. And more pitches than we originally knew, as DOJ unveil new charges in case.

Free link: www.nytimes.com/athletic/704...

Cast Away

New Phillies Therapy episode on Nick Castellanos’ release: open.spotify.com/episode/72RV...

How the Phillies’ $100 million marriage with Nick Castellanos ended in divorce When the Phillies ate $20 million on Thursday and released Castellanos, it was an admission that the relationship was irrevocably broken.

How the Phillies’ $100 million marriage with Nick Castellanos ended in divorce: www.nytimes.com/athletic/art...

The Phillies are releasing Nick Castellanos.

One additional Phillies injury note: outfield prospect Gabriel Rincones Jr. is dealing with some left knee soreness. He will not appear in Grapefruit League games until later in the schedule.

The familiar Phillies are (mostly) back, but this spring will be about the kids Although the beginning of this camp might be defined by what did not change, the Phillies are leaning into what did.

The Phillies are back. (Hold your groans.) And, while the beginning of camp might be defined by who isn’t here, it’s pretty clear who this spring is about: www.nytimes.com/athletic/703...