Matt Gelb
@mattgelb.bsky.social
Phillies beat writer for The Athletic. One half of Phillies Therapy podcast. Daily Orange U.
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...
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.
www.nytimes.com
February 19, 2026 at 1:09 PM
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...
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...
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.
www.nytimes.com
February 18, 2026 at 1:14 PM
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...
Spotify – Web Player
open.spotify.com
February 17, 2026 at 2:30 PM
New Phillies Therapy pod with some chatter about the first week of camp: open.spotify.com/episode/6dw8...
Here's Charlotte on a large man in Phillies camp.
Adolis García was surprised at some of the pitches he was able to sit on during live BP yesterday. The Phillies are optimistic it’s the start of something good:
www.nytimes.com/athletic/705...
www.nytimes.com/athletic/705...
What Adolis García is working on as he seeks return to All-Star form with Phillies
“It’s keeping him healthy, making sure the quality (at-bats are) there and then, the mechanical adjustments,” hitting coach Kevin Long said.
www.nytimes.com
February 17, 2026 at 2:29 PM
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.
February 16, 2026 at 6:55 PM
Zack Wheeler threw out to 120 feet today for the first time since surgery, Rob Thomson said. Wheeler continues to progress as planned.
Reposted by Matt Gelb
Trea Turner said he would’ve been interested in playing in the WBC, but he was not reached out to.
February 16, 2026 at 6:10 PM
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.
February 16, 2026 at 4:11 PM
Charlie’s in his spot. First full-squad workout today.
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...
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.
www.nytimes.com
February 16, 2026 at 1:59 PM
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...
Reposted by Matt Gelb
Our latest episode from Thursday night/Friday morning, on Castellanos and the end
podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/p...
podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/p...
Cast Away
Podcast Episode · Phillies Therapy · 02/13/2026 · 49m
podcasts.apple.com
February 14, 2026 at 9:23 PM
Our latest episode from Thursday night/Friday morning, on Castellanos and the end
podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/p...
podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/p...
From The Athletic’s Dennis Lin: Nick Castellanos is heading to San Diego www.nytimes.com/athletic/704...
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.
www.nytimes.com
February 14, 2026 at 2:48 PM
From The Athletic’s Dennis Lin: Nick Castellanos is heading to San Diego www.nytimes.com/athletic/704...
Reposted by Matt Gelb
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...
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.
www.nytimes.com
February 14, 2026 at 1:52 PM
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...
www.nytimes.com/athletic/704...
Reposted by Matt Gelb
“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...
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...
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.
www.nytimes.com
February 13, 2026 at 8:34 PM
“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...
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...
New Phillies Therapy episode on Nick Castellanos’ release: open.spotify.com/episode/72RV...
Cast Away
open.spotify.com
February 13, 2026 at 2:15 PM
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: www.nytimes.com/athletic/art...
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.
www.nytimes.com
February 12, 2026 at 8:22 PM
How the Phillies’ $100 million marriage with Nick Castellanos ended in divorce: www.nytimes.com/athletic/art...
The Phillies are releasing Nick Castellanos.
February 12, 2026 at 7:20 PM
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.
February 12, 2026 at 6:13 PM
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 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...
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.
www.nytimes.com
February 11, 2026 at 9:12 PM
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...
Zack Wheeler kept the rib that was removed to correct his thoracic outlet syndrome. It’s in his closet. He is happy with his progress. Orion Kerkering has a Grade 1 hamstring strain. He’ll be a little behind. So will Michael Mercado (shoulder) and Dan Robert (cardiovascular).
February 11, 2026 at 5:17 PM
Zack Wheeler kept the rib that was removed to correct his thoracic outlet syndrome. It’s in his closet. He is happy with his progress. Orion Kerkering has a Grade 1 hamstring strain. He’ll be a little behind. So will Michael Mercado (shoulder) and Dan Robert (cardiovascular).
Phillies camp has opened. There is a new, giant scoreboard in right field at BayCare Ballpark. Here's @charlottevarnes.bsky.social with some spring storylines: www.nytimes.com/athletic/703...
Three burning Phillies questions as spring training opens
There won’t be steep competition for many spots, but there's still plenty to talk about with Philadelphia's roster.
www.nytimes.com
February 11, 2026 at 2:12 PM
Phillies camp has opened. There is a new, giant scoreboard in right field at BayCare Ballpark. Here's @charlottevarnes.bsky.social with some spring storylines: www.nytimes.com/athletic/703...
Reposted by Matt Gelb
Reposted by Matt Gelb
Patreon-exclusive bonus episode: Matt and I take a community-sourced list of Things That Could Go Right (Yes, Really) and go through them from least to most likely. Optimism!
www.patreon.com/posts/150016...
www.patreon.com/posts/150016...
Office Hours: February 5, 2026 | Phillies Therapy
Get more from Phillies Therapy on Patreon
www.patreon.com
February 5, 2026 at 3:29 PM
Patreon-exclusive bonus episode: Matt and I take a community-sourced list of Things That Could Go Right (Yes, Really) and go through them from least to most likely. Optimism!
www.patreon.com/posts/150016...
www.patreon.com/posts/150016...
What happens after a season-ending error? Orion Kerkering did not run from it this offseason. "It's going to affect me for the rest of my life," he said. "No matter where I go."
He knows the challenge that awaits him: www.nytimes.com/athletic/700...
He knows the challenge that awaits him: www.nytimes.com/athletic/700...
A season-ending error changed Orion Kerkering. Now, he’s embracing the challenges ahead
He looks different now. He's in better shape, the result of a diligent winter. He sounds different. He is clear-eyed about what lies ahead.
www.nytimes.com
February 4, 2026 at 3:58 PM
What happens after a season-ending error? Orion Kerkering did not run from it this offseason. "It's going to affect me for the rest of my life," he said. "No matter where I go."
He knows the challenge that awaits him: www.nytimes.com/athletic/700...
He knows the challenge that awaits him: www.nytimes.com/athletic/700...
New Phillies Therapy: We talked Justin Crawford with @charlottevarnes.bsky.social, then ... some third base thoughts open.spotify.com/episode/2uTM...
Justin the (Pinstriped) Red
open.spotify.com
February 2, 2026 at 9:04 PM
New Phillies Therapy: We talked Justin Crawford with @charlottevarnes.bsky.social, then ... some third base thoughts open.spotify.com/episode/2uTM...
On Opening Day, Justin Crawford could be the Phillies' youngest outfielder in 46 years. He's learning the finer things about CF this offseason from Eric Davis. A cool story by @charlottevarnes.bsky.social: www.nytimes.com/athletic/701...
Inside Phillies prospect Justin Crawford’s outfield boot camp. His teacher: Eric Davis
Crawford returned to the Phoenix fields where he first learned baseball as a child for two weeks of drills with a three-time Gold Glover.
www.nytimes.com
February 2, 2026 at 2:27 PM
On Opening Day, Justin Crawford could be the Phillies' youngest outfielder in 46 years. He's learning the finer things about CF this offseason from Eric Davis. A cool story by @charlottevarnes.bsky.social: www.nytimes.com/athletic/701...