Fish First

It's looking like the Phils will open the abbreviated 2020 season at home against the Miami Marlins. This comes from a report by Marlins know-it-all Craig Mish. And I can't believe he doesn't go by @MishFish. MLB is supposed to announce the schedule tomorrow.

Anyway, the season is three weeks away and COVID-19 is causing havoc in South Philly. Ace Aaron Nola has yet to report to summer camp. Zach Wheeler's wife is due to give birth to the couple's first child that weekend, so it's hard to know if he'll be around for the start, let alone the season. Hector Neris' name was found on the COVID list, as were Scott Kingery and Adam Haseley.

So that's two starters (at least), a second baseman, a centerfielder, and a closer. Yikes. The Phillies 60-man roster is going to have a revolving door on it. With Kingery and Haseley questionable, could Odubel Herreraf find his way back into the lineup out of necessity. Christ, I hope not. I don't care how badly you need an outfielder. You don't reward a guy who was charged with domestic abuse.

If Nola and Wheeler aren't available, who get the Opening Day start? Jake Arrieta? Zack Eflin? Spencer Howard? Stay tuned.