Not much to report from XST as camp winds down. Only a few games left. Camp breaks after next Wednesday’s last game, the day before the First Year Player Draft. When these XST squads run into good pitching, the kids might only get 2 at bats., especially when they utilize 2 DH, which the Phillies do everyday.  Today was such a day.

So, Cord Sandberg was with the GCL squad again today.

Justin Parr had a double to the gap in 2 at bats.

Trey Williams crushed a home run over the left field fence in his 2 at bats.

Herlis Rodriguez led off and lined a double into the right field corner in 3 at bats.

Robinson Torres had their only other hit this afternoon, a single.

I have noticed this week that Jose Pujols is having much better at bats. He has been working walks by having 5,6,7-pitch at bats. So many guys are swinging as they leave the on deck circle that you notice a player working the count. Pujols used to be one of those first-pitch swingers. Nice to see that he is being more selective at the plate.

The same goes for Jan Hernandez and Trey Williams.

Alejandro Arteaga is in camp from Lakewood and got the start. He allowed 4 runs, 2 earned on 8 hits and 2 walks in 6 innings. He struck out four. He was victimized but some suspect defense, but also benefited from an outfield assist by Pujols and a caught stealing.

Matt Southhard pitched the 7^th inning. He hit the first batter, and gave up 2 singles in his one inning of work. The defense supported him with 3 errors, but also saw Jake Sweaney throw out a runner at the plate.

Mark Meadors got two ground balls and a strike out in a 1-2-3 ninth inning.

Even when the defense does make plays, they don’t always look comfortable, including routine plays. Maybe they just need to get to Williamsport.

I took a head count of all the players still in camp who are on the DSL roster. There were a lot. I checked the roster again tonight, and it has been updated. Luis Encarnacion is no longer on the DSL roster, as well as a bunch of other guys.