LAKELAND, Fla. – The day started with Jake Arrieta’s scheduled side session on a mound back at the Phillies’ spring-training home in Clearwater. It ended with manager Gabe Kapler revealing the plan that will get the prized free-agent pitcher to the mound for his Phillies debut Sunday April 8 against the Miami Marlins at Citizens Bank Park.
Kapler said Arrieta will start the Phillies’ final Grapefruit League game Tuesday afternoon against the Pittsburgh Pirates at Spectrum Field and will pitch in either a minor-league exhibition game or a simulated game April 2 down in Clearwater to complete his preparation for the start of the season.