With Opening Day nearing, here’s how the Phillies’ projected 26-man roster could look as roster battles heat up in the final week of spring training.
Zack Wheeler talks to the media about throwing his first live batting practice of Phillies spring training. CLEARWATER, Fla. – The Phillies have begun their final full week in Florida and team officials are bearing down on roster decisions.
Now, nothing is cast in stone. Things can change in a hurry. Way back in 1997, the Phils sent a young pitcher named Calvin Maduro to Triple A as camp was winding down. Then, just before heading north, the team put five pitchers on the disabled list. Not only was Maduro brought back to big-league camp, he was named starting pitcher for the second game of the season.So, knowing that things can always change, let’s take a look at where the 26-man roster might stand eight days before the Phillies break camp and 11 days before they open the season against the Texas Rangers at Citizens Bank Park.Cristopher Sanchez will be named opening day starter when he returns from the World Baseball Classic later this week. Jesus Luzardo, Aaron Nola, Andrew Painter and Taijuan Walker are all locks with Zack Wheeler opening on the injured list. Wheeler is progressing well after surgery to alleviate thoracic outlet syndrome and could be activated as early as mid-to-late April.The Phils likely will go with an eight-man bullpen. Six spots appear to be locked up: Closer Jhoan Duran, Jose Alvarado, Brad Keller, Tanner Banks, Jonathan Bowlan and Orion Kerkering.Side-arming lefty Kyle Backhus, picked up in an offseason trade with Arizona, has been impressive in Grapefruit League action. If he makes the club, the Phils would have a number of options for the final spot. Right-hander Zac Pop is on a big-league deal and out of minor-league options. Right-handers Chase Shugart and Seth Johnson are both on the 40-man roster with options. Zach McCambley is a Rule 5 pick who would have to be offered back to Miami if he doesn’t make the club. Veterans Lou Trivino, Tim Mayza and Trevor Richards are all in camp but on minor-league deals. Right-hander Max Lazar has been slowed by a sore oblique so he’s not a consideration for the opening day roster.J.T. Realmuto will be backed up by either Rafael Marchan or Garrett Stubbs. There has been some talk of carrying three catchers but that might be a long shot. The Phils will risk losing Marchan or Stubbs on waivers to get them to Triple A.Super sub Edmundo Sosa will get one spot. Marchan or Stubbs will get another. Stubbs got a brief look in left field on Sunday so that could impact the decision if he can add that type of versatility. The club remains intrigued by Otto Kemp’s bat, even though he’s had a slow spring. He could see platoon time in left field. If Kemp makes the club, the final spot could come down to Dylan Moore, a non-roster invitee who has significant major league time with Seattle and can play all over the diamond, and outfielder Bryan De La Cruz, who has swung a productive bat this spring. Moore might have the edge because he has the versatility manager Rob Thomson covets. He also has an out in his contract on March 21. De La Cruz is on a minor-league contract and does not have an out until July.
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