Carrasco Makes Statement in 6-2 Loss

While the Phillies lost their second Grapefruit League game to the Toronto Blue Jays by a score of 6-2 today, the story of the day was starter Carlos Carrasco's impressive two innings of work. JA Happ did not disappoint either in his two innings of work, responding to the statement made by Carrasco, the top pitching prospect in the organization.

Carrasaco got first crack at the fifth starter spot in the Phillies' rotation, and he wasted no time delivering the goods. Carrasco finished with three strike outs, no walks, and no runs allowed in two very impressive innings.

Coming into spring training, the basic train of thought suggested that Carrasco would be headed to triple-A when the team broke camp but would be the first player called up in the event of an injury or slow start by another pitcher. If today was any indication, that is not good enough for Carrasco.

Happ, who many feel has a better shot at starting the season with the big league club in the fifth spot, did not have the lights out material Carrasco did, but his two innings of work were nothing to take lightly. Happ went two innings and allowed only one base hit. He also had no walks or allowed runs. Happ entered the game after Carrasco and responded to the standard set by Carrasco just fine.

Carrasco and Happ use two different styles pitching, and both were effective for the Phillies today. The same could not be said for Justin Lehr, who entered the game following Happ. Lehr took the mound in the fifth inning and quickly gave up back-to-back home runs to Travis Snider and Jason Lane. Gary Majewski pitched the sixth and seventh innings and allowed no hit.

Blaine Neal struggled the most today, allowing three runs in two thirds of an inning. Hurt by two walks to load the bases Neal gave up a three run, two out double, putting the game out of reach for the Phillies offense.

Ryan Howard had a tough day as the designated hitter, striking out twice. Jason Ellison and John Mayberry had decent games. Ellison picked up a stolen base and scored the first run of the game on a Jimmy Rollins base hit.

Jayson Werth sat out for the second straight game, but there are no reports of any problems, so it seems he is just a healthy scratch through the first couple games.

Jason Donald played third base and had a couple balls get past him. All scouting reports say that Donald can't play third base, despite what many fans wish he would. Greg Dobbs played first base today.

The Phillies dropped to 0-2 in spring training and will travel to Sarasota tomorrow to take on the Reds.