Rhys Hoskins homers, but Phillies fall to Tigers
Rhys Hoskins and Roman Quinn each homered, but the Tigers jumped on Phillies starter Jerad Eickhoff early en route to an 11-6 win Tuesday at Spectrum Field.

Eickhoff, making his first Grapefruit League start, struck out three of the first four batters he faced, but also surrendered three runs on three hits over 1 1/3 inning.

“It was a challenge but for me, it’s just about getting out there and getting reps again. That’s the biggest thing,” Eickhoff said.

Hoskins and Quinn each homered in the fourth inning.

Tommy Joseph, who started the contest playing left field, finished 2-for-2 with a double and drove in a run. More important than his production at the plate though, he looked comfortable playing the outfield and made a nice sliding catch in the third inning. He also played right field for a batter as manager Gabe Kapler shifted the outfield when a switch-hitter Victor Reyes came to the plate.

“That was pretty neat. That was part of the ‘Be Bold’ stature that we’re working with here,” Joseph said. “Trying to be trailblazers when it comes to shifting.”

Tommy Hunter surrendered three runs on two hits in an inning of work, and Jose Taveras allowed four hits and walked three in 1 1/3 inning.

Still Early, But ...
Five games in and the Phillies rank 22nd in team ERA (5.36) and 23rd in WHIP (1.60). It's not a cause for concern, but something to certainly keep an eye on.

Injury Update
Odubel Herrera is dealing with a sore right shoulder that's limited his playing time through the first five games this spring.

"Let's put it like this, zero concern," manager Gabe Kapler said. "Nobody is concerned. Our medical [staff] is not concerned, Odubel is not concerned, our staff is not concerned. We're all good."

Kapler described the issue as "natural muscle soreness" occurring from Herrera's throwing program.

Fitting Tribute
The Phillies announced plans to induct Roy Halladay onto the Wall of Fame this summer. The club also said a flag bearing his No. 34 will be flown at Citizens Bank Park for the 2018 season as a tribute to his contributions to the club.

Halladay, who died tragically in November 2017 at the age of 40 after his plane crashed into the Gulf of Mexico, will be one of only four Phillies to be inducted into the Wall of Fame without a fan vote, joining Charlie Manuel, Mike Schmidt, and Steve Carlton.

Up Next
The Phillies will again travel to Dunedin to face the Blue Jays on Wednesday. Vince Velasquez will start.

Starting Lineup
1. Scott Kingery 2B
2. Carlos Santana 1B
3. Odubel Herrera DH
4. Aaron Altherr CF
5. Maikel Franco 3B
6. Jorge Alfaro C
7. Dylan Cozens RF
8. Adam Rosales SS
9. Andrew Pullin LF
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Follow Patrick on Twitter: @PGordonPBR

BY PATRICK GORDON
Managing Editor
pgordon@philadelphiabaseballreview.com

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