Zach Eflin impressive in season debut

Phillies pitching prospect Zach Eflin started his season on a strong note on Sunday as he made his first start for double-A Reading. The righthander pitched six shutout innings against the Portland Sea Dogs, Boston's double-A affiliate. Eflin allowed four hits and struck out two. He walked one.

Eflin was acquired this offseason as part of the Jimmy Rollins trade. If Reading sticks to its rotation, Eflin is lined up to pitch next Saturday at home against Richmond and Jesse Biddle will pitch Friday's home opener.

Biddle and Aaron Nola opened their seasons on Saturday as part of a doubleheader. Nola, 21, pitched 4 2/3 innings, allowing four runs on five hits. The righthander settled in after allowing a three-run homer in the first. He struck out two batters and walked one.

Biddle, 23, pitched the second game, striking out four batters and walking two over five scoreless innings. The lefthander allowed two hits. All three pitchers spent time this spring in major-league camp.