CLEARWATER, Fla. — Rule 5 player Tyler Goeddel is pretty much a lock to make the opening day roster, but that doesn’t mean there’s still not work to do.
The 23-year-old outfielder, plucked out of the Tampa Bay system, has been working daily in the batting cage with hitting coach Steve Henderson. The goal is a shorter swing.
Goeddel saw some results from his work Sunday afternoon when he drove a one-out single up the middle against Houston’s Ken Giles — yes, that Ken Giles (see story) — in the Phillies’ two-run fifth inning.
Facing Giles was a good test for Goeddel’s shortened swing. Giles brings the heat and he did not disappoint. Goeddel got two sliders before lacing a 1-1 fastball to center. The pitch registered 99 mph on the stadium gun.
Before the at-bat, Goeddel, who has never played above Double A, got a quick, no-duh scouting report on Giles from a couple of guys in the dugout.
“They said he throws hard,” Goeddel said. “I was just focusing on getting on top of the ball. I’ve been working with Hendu on shortening up things so I’m glad we had some results.”
Goeddel said he was working on shortening his swing because he’d been behind on some fastballs.
“You’ve got to be able to hit the fastball up here,” said.
He hit one of the best Sunday.
The game
The Phillies improved to 13-5-2 with a 5-4 win over the Astros. Cesar Hernandez had three hits, including a home run and a double, and three RBIs. Freddy Galvis pushed home the go-ahead run with a suicide squeeze bunt.
Starter Jeremy Hellickson pitched five shutout innings against an Astros team that featured regulars Jose Altuve, George Springer, Carlos Correa and Colby Rasmus and did not allow a hit. He walked three and struck out six.
Hellickson could end up being the Phils’ opening day starter, though nothing has been announced.
In a tight bullpen competition, Hector Neris struggled (two hits, two walks, four runs), but Luis Garcia, Daniel Stumpf and Bobby LaFromboise all pitched well.
Herrera update
Odubel Herrera continues to be sidelined with a sore left middle finger. Manager Pete Mackanin said the Phils are just being cautious with Herrera because “he’s such a big part of our offense.” He added that Herrera will be ready for opening day.
“Soon, soon, soon,” responded Herrera when asked when he would play.
Herrera has been swinging a bat. He is expected to begin hitting Tuesday.
Up next
Aaron Nola starts against the Tigers in Lakeland on Monday afternoon.
Jerad Eickhoff starts Tuesday in Clearwater against the Twins.
Charlie Morton starts Wednesday night in Kissimmee against the Astros.
Adam Morgan starts Thursday night against the Braves at Disney.
Hellickson starts Friday night in Clearwater against Toronto.
Brett Oberholtzer is headed to the bullpen (see story).