I’m still a little let down after Canada bowed out of the World Baseball Classic yesterday, but the best (and sometimes the worst!) part about baseball is there’s another game today. This time, my attention will be taken up by an exhibition contest between the Yankees and the Phillies, from the Bombers’ spring home in Tampa.
I’m dating someone who is Gen Z, and I’m so happy he has a normal name, because whatever compelled Bryse Wilson’s parents to spell his name like that makes me shudder to imagine. He’s with his fifth organization in his career, trying to crack the Phillies roster as a swingman, but hasn’t exactly raised eyebrows in spring — at least not in the good way. His 5.14 ERA so far in Grapefruit League play is higher than his career 4.82, but when the sample sizes are this small one strong outing could change things.
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The Yankees will counter with Wilson’s old Braves teammate Max Fried, who looked in midseason form in his only previous spring outing. The nominal Yankee ace has two more starts before getting the ball for Opening Day, and the key for him is going to be health. The club has a strong, if slightly battered rotation, and Fried’s left arm is a big piece of that all working the way it should. Fiveish innings and a big smile from the dugout is all we need today.
The entire starting lineup is made up of MLB regulars today, with Trent Grisham leading off exactly as he’s expected to start the season. Ben Rice hits second and is at first base, and with Austin Wells being a hero for the Dominican Republic at the WBC, J.C. Escarra is getting plenty of spring reps behind the dish.
How to watch
Location: George M Steinbrenner Field — Tampa, FL
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First pitch: 1:05 pm ET
TV broadcast: NBCSP+ (PHI)
Radio broadcast: WFAN 660 AM (NYY) | 94 WIP (PHI)
Online stream: Gotham Sports App, MLB.tv
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