It's finally that time of the year. Spring training is upon us after Phillies pitchers and catchers reported to Carpenter Complex in Clearwater, Florida, for their first official workout on Wednesday. Before the rest of the team reports on Monday, the pitchers and the catchers will have a few days to work out.
In addition to the 40-man roster, the Phillies will have 11 pitchers and four catchers joining the team as non-roster invitees. The biggest update for Phillies fans is that the entire rotation and bullpen is healthy to start Training Camp, per MLB.com's Todd Zolecki.
Every pitcher in Phillies camp is healthy, the team said. Japanese right-hander Koyo Aoyagi and Guillo Zuniga are delayed because of visa issues. They should be in Clearwater before the end of the week.
— Todd Zolecki (@ToddZolecki) February 12, 2025
Phillies Are Missing Two Pitchers As They Kick Off Spring Training
While every pitcher in the camp is healthy and available, two pitchers were not able to join the Phillies in Clearwater.
Japanese pitcher Koyo Aoyagi and right-hander Guillo Zuñiga were delayed due to visa issues and are expected to arrive later in the week.
Aoyagi was recently signed to a minor league contract with the hopes of making the roster. He is a right-handed pitcher who throws sidearm, making the All-Star team three times in Japan's Nippon Professional Baseball league. At 31, he is a proven pitcher hoping to be the latest Japanese stud to make the transition to the MLB.
Zuñiga, 26, made his MLB debut in 2023 with the St. Louis Cardinals before being dealt to the Los Angeles Angels. After making 15 appearances and throwing for 17 2/3 innings, allowing 10 runs with 12 strikeouts and eight walks, he was released in the offseason. The Phillies signed him to a minor league contract in December.
The Phillies open training camp set in their rotation. Yet, there is one job available in the bullpen after Jeff Hoffman's departure. Whether Aoyagi, Zuñiga, or any of the non-roster invitees will be able to make their case for that spot remains to be seen.
The Phillies will kick off their spring schedule on Saturday, February 22, against the Detroit Tigers before kicking off the 2025 regular season on March 27.