TAMPA, FL — With three days left in Spring Training, the Philadelphia Phillies are again narrowing down their roster.
After optioning Garrett Stubbs to Triple-A just a few days ago, the club announced that outfielder Cal Stevenson and right-handed reliever Kyle Tyler were also being optioned back to Lehigh Valley. In corresponding moves, the team reassigned infielder Christian Arroyo, outfielder Oscar Mercado, catcher Josh Breaux, and right-handed pitcher Nabil Crismatt to minor league camp.
The move to the minor league camp means the Phillies do not have to select a roster for those players to be assigned to quite yet. It gives them additional roster flexibility but also creates a clearer picture on who will make the Opening Day roster.
Phillies Roster
The following position players are currently remaining on the Phillies active roster for Spring Training:
Catchers: J.T. Realmuto, Rafael Marchan
First Base: Bryce Harper
Second Base: Bryson Stott, Kody Clemens
Third Base: Alec Bohm, Buddy Kennedy
Shortstop: Trea Turner, Edmundo Sosa
Outfielders: Kyle Schwarber, Nick Castellanos, Brandon Marsh, Max Kepler, Johan Rojas
There are 14 players left with just 13 slots to fill. The last two roster spots will come down between Kody Clemens and Buddy Kennedy. Clemens is hitting for a .304 average with a .360 on-base % and .882 OPS (On-Base + Slugging %) in Grapefruit League action.
Kennedy is hitting for a .171 average with a .362 on-base % and .819 OPS. Buddy has also been taking reps in the outfield to try and expand his defensive abilities. With the injury to Weston Wilson early in Spring Training, Kennedy assumed his utility role in the club.
When Wilson returns, he will begin his season in Triple-A on a rehab assignment. This will allow him to get his version of Spring Training started since he missed nearly all of camp this year. Once Wilson starts playing games, it will be seen if he is reactivated for the Phillies or if he will have to pass through waivers to make it back on the Iron Pigs roster.
Pitching Staff
The pitching staff has almost been set by the Phillies as well. While the bullpen is still working itself out, the starting rotation has been confirmed for the first two series.
| Zack Wheeler | 3/27 @ Nationals |
| Jesus Luzardo | 3/29 @ Nationals |
| Aaron Nola | 3/30 @ Nationals |
| Cristopher Sanchez | 3/31 vs Rockies |
| Zack Wheeler | 4/2 vs Rockies |
| 5th Starter | 4/3 vs Rockies |
As of Saturday, March 22nd, the following pitchers are still on the Phillies Spring Training roster. With three games to go, it is likely that they will all remain on the roster until the conclusion of the final game.
Starters (5): Zack Wheeler, Aaron Nola, Cristopher Sanchez, Jesus Luzardo, Ranger Suarez
Bullpen (10): Jose Alvarado, Jordan Romano, Orion Kerkering, Matt Strahm, Jose Ruiz, Tanner Banks, Tyler Phillips, Michael Mercado, Taijuan Walker, and Joe Ross.
With Matt Strahm and Ranger Suarez still dealing with minor injuries, the Phillies are still working through a few different options. If Suarez is not ready to go by April 3rd, Taijuan Walker will start in his absence. In that case, either Mercado or Phillips will become the long reliever in the bullpen.
If both Strahm and Suarez are ready to go for Opening Day, Phillips and Mercado will be demoted to Triple-A. Taijuan Walker will then slide back into the bullpen as the long reliever, and the pitching staff will be complete.
Mandatory Credit: Kam Nedd-USA TODAY Sports
