Rosario Rocked by Braves

Entering the day, Francisco Rosario had been building momentum as a darkhorse 5th starter for the Phillies. After surrendering 6 runs in two innings against the Braves, Rosario may have blown his shot at even making the team.

In yet another Grapefruit league drubbing, the Phillies lost 9-1 to the Braves. Not only was Rosario shelled, but the offense was completely shut down by such star pitchers as Royce Ring, Vladmir Nunez and Chris Resop. The Phils managed only 6 hits, and the only run came on a Greg Dobbs home run. On the pitching side, Shane Youman was also hit hard, giving up 3 runs in his only inning of work.

Rosario had been mentioned as a possible starting option, but with today's showing he appears to have lost any hope for that role. Phillies fans who though that Rosario could have been an effective starter were grasping at straws, desperate to find another option besides Adam Eaton. He is still the same guy who was 0-3 with a 5.48 ERA for the Phils last year, and he is a notorious fly ball pitcher, which doesn't bode well for a future in Citizens Bank. Rosario can still earn a spot in the bullpen if he turns it around in his next few outings.