The Philadelphia Phillies have now gathered their complete roster for spring training as of Monday, with all players reporting to Clearwater, Florida. This marks the official start of a pivotal preseason phase at the Carpenter Complex where team preparations and player evaluations are underway ahead of the regular season.
Harper Addresses Offseason Controversies and Team Dynamics
Over the weekend, star outfielder Bryce Harper arrived at camp and openly discussed several pressing topics. Among them was his dissatisfaction with statements made by Phillies’ president of baseball operations, Dave Dombrowski, during the offseason. Harper also commented on the World Baseball Classic (WBC) and his former team, the Los Angeles Dodgers, ensuring no topic was left untouched.
Nick Castellanos Moves On But Leaves Parting Shots at Phillies
Former Phillies outfielder Nick Castellanos quickly secured a new team, signing a league minimum contract with the San Diego Padres. Despite his departure, Castellanos made sure to express his final criticisms of the Phillies upon arriving at Padres camp in Arizona, signaling tensions remaining from his exit.
Zack Wheeler Progressing in Rehab but Not Yet Pitching
Manager Rob Thomson provided an update on ace pitcher Zack Wheeler’s recovery from venous thoracic outlet syndrome surgery. Wheeler has increased his throwing distance to 120 feet, a notable improvement from previously throwing only up to 90 feet. However, Thomson acknowledged that Wheeler’s timeline for returning to mound pitching remains uncertain as the team prioritizes his health over haste.
In Wheeler’s absence, the Phillies plan to rely on a starting rotation led by left-handed pitchers Cristopher Sánchez and Jesús Luzardo, alongside veterans Aaron Nola and Taijuan Walker. Prospect Andrew Painter is also expected to compete for a spot in the rotation during spring training.
“Zack Wheeler threw out to 120 feet for the first time today. Rob Thomson said he doesn’t know yet when Wheeler will get back on a mound, but ‘he’s getting there.’” – Lochlahn March, Reporter
Walker Buehler Signs Minor League Contract with Padres
In a significant development, former Phillies pitcher Walker Buehler has agreed to a minor league contract with the San Diego Padres. Buehler, 31, had only joined the Phillies late last season, impressing with a 0.66 ERA and 1.17 WHIP over 13 2/3 innings during three appearances, including two starts.
Although Phillies fans might have hoped to retain Buehler to bolster an already thin starting rotation, the right-hander opted for San Diego to pursue a better chance at securing a rotation spot, along with the appeal of Southern California’s favorable climate, which Philadelphia cannot offer.
Complete Schedule for Phillies Home Games in Grapefruit League
The Phillies’ Grapefruit League spring training schedule is set to begin Saturday with an away game against the Toronto Blue Jays in Dunedin. Their first home game at the Carpenter Complex in Clearwater will follow on Sunday against the Pittsburgh Pirates.
Fans will have ample opportunities to watch their team, as all home games will be televised. Eleven games are scheduled to air on NBC Sports Philadelphia (NBCSP or NBCSP+), while the remaining five will be streamed on MLB.com.
The full home game lineup is:
Sun. Feb. 22 vs. Pirates, 1:05 p.m. ET, NBCSP
Wed. Feb. 25 vs. Tigers, 1:05 p.m. ET, NBCSP
Thu. Feb. 26 vs. Nationals, 1:05 p.m. ET, MLB.com
Fri. Feb. 27 vs. Marlins, 1:05 p.m. ET, NBCSP+
Sun. Mar. 1 vs. Yankees, 1:05 p.m. ET, NBCSP
Wed. Mar. 4 vs. Team Canada, 1:05 p.m. ET, NBCSP
Thu. Mar. 5 vs. Red Sox, 1:05 p.m. ET, NBCSP+
Sat. Mar. 7 vs. Blue Jays, 1:05 p.m. ET, MLB.com
Tue. Mar. 10 vs. Yankees, 1:05 p.m. ET, NBCSP
Thu. Mar. 12 vs. Blue Jays, 1:05 p.m. ET, MLB.com
Fri. Mar. 13 vs. Orioles, 1:05 p.m. ET, NBCSP+
Sun. Mar. 15 vs. Braves, 1:05 p.m. ET, NBCSP
Tue. Mar. 17 vs. Twins, 1:05 p.m. ET, NBCSP
Thu. Mar. 19 vs. Rays, 1:05 p.m. ET, MLB.com
Fri. Mar. 20 vs. Tigers, 1:05 p.m. ET, NBCSP+
Mon. Mar. 23 vs. Rays, 12:05 p.m. ET, MLB.com
The broadcast team for the home opener on Sunday will include familiar voices Tom McCarthy and Ruben Amaro Jr., providing commentary for Phillies fans tuning in via NBCSP.
Implications for Phillies’ Season and Fan Engagement
The Phillies face an uncertain start to their season with Zack Wheeler still recovering and Walker Buehler moving on to San Diego, deepening concerns about starting pitching depth. The team’s reliance on emerging talents like Andrew Painter reflects a pressing need to rebuild a stable rotation in 2026. Meanwhile, full spring training reporting and comprehensive televised coverage provide fans with unprecedented access and insight into preparations ahead of Opening Day. How the Phillies address pitching challenges in the coming weeks could significantly influence their competitiveness in the National League East.
Zack Wheeler threw out to 120 feet for the first time today. Rob Thomson said he doesn't know yet when Wheeler will get back on a mound, but "he's getting there."
— Lochlahn March (@lochlahn) February 16, 2026
Walker Buehler discusses why he signed with the Padres, how he views his last few seasons and how it feels to be on the other side of the Padres-Dodgers rivalry: pic.twitter.com/WCEDpeXLnt
— 97.3 The Fan (@973TheFanSD) February 17, 2026
Announcers for Sunday’s Phillies/Pirates game on NBC Sports Philadelphia:
Tom McCarthy (Play-By-Play)
Ruben Amaro Jr. (Analyst) pic.twitter.com/Qu1PO3zKVv— Phillies Tailgate (@PhilsTailgate) February 17, 2026
