Kingery, 23, signed a $24 million, six-year contract with the Phillies last week that could be worth $65 million over the next nine seasons.
"As an organization, this is the best success tory we can have," general manager Matt Klentak said. "A guy who was drafted by the Phillies, developed through the system and achieves a moment like this through hard work and grit and determination. It's exactly what you want as an organization."
Injury Update
Notably absent from yesterday's contest, Pat Neshek has been placed on the disabled list with a right shoulder strain. His DL stint is retroactive to Tuesday. Philadelphia recalled right-hander Yacksel Rios from Triple-A Lehigh Valley to take Neshek's place on the 25-man roster.
Rios, 24, made his Major League debut last season with the Phillies. He pitched in 13 games, posting a 4.41 ERA in 16 1/3 innings.
Tonight's Starters
Nick Pivetta pitched well in Grapefruit League action this spring, finishing with a 3.93 ERA and 17 strikeouts over 18 1 /3 innings. He also finished last season on a high note, finishing 3-0 with a 1.06 ERA over his final three starts of the season. He ended the year with a 16 inning scoreless streak.
Against the Braves last season Pivetta made three starts and performed well in each, surrendering just four earned runs over 17 innings while securing the win in all three contests. He also notched 17 strikeouts and walked just five.
The Braves counter tonight with right-hander Mike Foltynewicz. Over seven games (six starts) against Philadelphia he is 3-2 with a 4.50 ERA (18 ER/36.0 IP). In three starts against the Phillies last year he finished with a 1-1 mark and a 3.00 ERA (6 ER/18.0 IP).
Tonight's Phillies lineup
1. Cesar Hernandez 4
2. Carlos Santana 3
3. Odubel Herrera 8
4. Rhys Hoskins 7
5. Aaron Altherr 9
6 Scott Kingery 5
7 Andrew Knapp 2
8 Nick Pivetta 1
9 J.P. Crawford 6
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