TAMPA – The Phillies entered Thursday three weeks away from Opening Day, leaving more than enough time to determine who their fifth starter will be or if they will even need one.
One of the candidates – Zach Eflin – pitched Tuesday in an empty ballpark against minor leaguers while another – Ben Lively – threw Thursday against the Giancarlo Stanton, Aaron Judge, and the rest of the Yankees. The race for the fifth starter – unless the Phillies sign a free agent – has seemed to narrow to two. Tom Eshelman will likely begin the season at triple and Drew Hutchison, in camp on a minor-league deal, seems to be on the outside.