Phillies fall in Grapefruit League opener
CLEARWATER, Fla. -- The 2016 Grapefruit League schedule started Tuesday with a decent crowd, a beautiful afternoon, and a Phillies loss.
The Blue Jays defeated the Phillies, 5-3, at Bright House Field. Toronto scored early against Severino Gonzalez and non-roster reliever Greg Infante.
Manager Pete Mackanin played his regulars. Carlos Ruiz lashed a two-run single in the second inning. J.P. Arencibia, a veteran catcher who could head to triple-A Lehigh Valley, homered in the fourth.
Potential closer David Hernandez tossed a scoreless inning with two groundouts.
Gonzalez labored through a 32-pitch first inning against Toronto's backups. He walked the first batter. He hit another. He allowed a two-run double to infielder Darwin Barney. His second inning was easier; Gonzalez retired the side in order.
David Buchanan will start Wednesday's game against Toronto in Dunedin, Fla., with Vincent Velasquez also scheduled to pitch.