The 2024 MLB season was a mixed bag for the Philadelphia Phillies. Although Rob Thomson's club finished with an NL East-best 95-67 record, the Phillies couldn't get the job done in the playoffs as they were eliminated by the rival New York Mets in four games during the Division Series.
It's been over four months since that postseason defeat, and the Phillies have put those bad memories in the rearview. Their sole focus is on the upcoming spring training slate, which begins with Saturday's showdown with the Detroit Tigers.
On Tuesday, Phillies fans finally learned who'll be starting on the mound for the exhibition opener.
Phillies News: Nabil Crismatt to Start vs. Tigers on Saturday
NBC Sports Philadelphia's Corey Seidman is reporting that veteran right-handed reliever Nabil Crismatt will pitch the first two innings vs. the Tigers. According to Seidman, the 30-year-old hurler is in contention for Philadelphia's final bullpen spot, meaning this weekend's appearance could decide his fate.
Nabil Crismatt, a veteran reliever fighting for the Phillies' final bullpen job, will start Saturday's Grapefruit League opener against the Tigers. Slated for 2 innings.
— Corey Seidman (@CSeidmanNBCS) February 18, 2025
The Phillies' first home spring training game is Sunday against the Orioles (1:05 p.m. on @NBCSPhilly).
Crismatt is a new face around the Phillies organization, having joined the club on a minor-league contract in December. The Barranquilla, Colombia native has spent the five previous seasons making relief appearances for the St. Louis Cardinals, San Diego Padres, Arizona Diamondbacks, and — most recently — the LA Dodgers.
The 6-foot-1 righty has made 114 appearances across the last half-decade, pitching to a 9-6 record, 3.71 ERA, and 1.299 WHIP while averaging 8.2 strikeouts and 2.7 walks per nine innings. He ended up making five appearances with the Dodgers in 2024, resulting in a 2.57 ERA with six strikeouts in seven innings.
The Phillies' bullpen wasn't special last season, finishing with a 3.94 ERA — only good for seventh in the National League. Crismatt living up to his potential and earning a coveted roster spot would go a long way in improving that number.
Curious Phillies fans can tune into Crismatt's start when Saturday's spring training action airs live on SportsRadio 94WIP at 1:05 p.m. ET.
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