CLEARWATER, Fla. - Ever since Jake Arrieta flew into town on Air Middleton and raised expectations for 2018, Phillies officials have said they would take a methodical approach with getting him ready for the regular season.
The Phils followed that plan in holding Arrieta to two innings and 31 pitches in the right-hander's hotly anticipated spring debut against the Detroit Tigers on Thursday.
"We had a very specific pitch count in mind and we feel like we executed the innings and the pitch count to a T," manager Gabe Kapler said. "We did not want to push the envelope at all. There's no reason to. We're focused on the long view."
Arrieta struck out the first two batters of the game then allowed a solo home run to two-time American League MVP Miguel Cabrera, a double, a single and another run over the balance of his outing. He had hoped to go three innings, but understands the team's plan.
"I'm on board with what these guys intend to do," said the 32-year-old pitcher, who signed a three-year, $75 million contract with the Phils last week. "I know they have my health and the team's success over the long haul in mind. That's the most important thing moving forward."
Kapler liked what he saw from Arrieta.
"It was a real positive outing," he said. "We wanted to see health and strength. We saw both of those things and he threw strikes."
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Twenty-two of Arrieta's 31 pitches were strikes.
Arrieta's arm strength was impressive. He touched 95 mph on the stadium radar gun. He also threw several fastballs that registered 94. His fastball velocity had been a concern as it dropped from 94.9 mph in his Cy Young season of 2015 to 92.6 mph last season, according to PITCHf/x data.
"My timing and my delivery were nice," Arrieta said. "The ball was coming out of my hand good. Even though I'm not particularly worried about velocity, the velocity was nice today. Sinking fastball was really good. I threw some good curveballs. The cutter wasn't necessarily great, along with the changeup. But those will come with repetition."
Arrieta said he had "a ton of nervous energy" before the start.
"Now that it's over, I take a deep breath and I remember what it feels like to be in a game situation," he said. "Umpires, crowd. It felt great. I'm healthy. The ball is coming out good. To get the first one out of the way - even though it is a little bit later - it's a good sign."
Kapler continued to play things close to the vest with Arrieta's timetable. What is clear, however, is that Arrieta will get one more start in Florida before camp breaks on Tuesday. He could build to around 50 pitches in that one and be ready to start in New York on April 2, 3 or 4. If the Phils decide that Arrieta needs two more outings to prepare for the regular season, he could debut on April 7 at home against Miami. Either way, he lines up to make 30-plus starts.
