Phillies are getting closer to finalizing their roster
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For a team with as many established veteran players as the Phillies have, there were only a handful of roster battles taking place in Clearwater this spring.
Some of those battles are coming into sharper focus now.
The Phillies announced utility infielder/outfielder Dylan Moore triggered the player opt-out in his contract Thursday morning, which gives the team 48 hours to either add him to the 40-man roster, or release him, making him a free agent on Saturday.
There seems little doubt another team would snap him up if the Phils chose not to add him, and the move by Moore was expected. Moore is 7-for-31 this spring (.226 AVG), with just one extra base hit. But he’s shown good plate discipline and can play all over the field. The Phils currently have 39 players on the 40-man roster, so there would be room to add Moore if need be.
However, spring stalwart Bryan de la Cruz is battling Moore for that final bench spot and has had a fantastic spring. He leads the Phils with 12 hits in 37 ABs (.324) with a homer and a double, and is coming off a Dominican Winter League in which he took home MVP honors. But he is limited to a corner outfield spot, whereas Moore can play anywhere.
The smart money is for the Phillies to add Moore to the 40-man roster. Like Moore, de la Cruz also has an opt-out clause, but not until later this summer, presumably July. By sending de la Cruz to AAA to get regular at-bats, they can punt that decision and add Moore, keeping both players in the fold.
In terms of the bullpen, we know a few more names who won’t make the team out of Clearwater.
Right-handed reliever Seth Johnson is the most notable name here. He was on the outside looking in at a bullpen spot, with left-hander Kyle Backhus all but assuring himself of a spot in the Opening Day bullpen. Should Orion Kerkering be on the 26-man roster when the team breaks camp, there would be room for one more reliever. Johnson, who didn’t give up many runs this spring (1.86 ERA), walked seven in 9.2 innings. He’ll continue to get more seasoning as he makes the transition from starter to reliever for the Iron Pigs.
Zach Pop and Chase Shugart are already on the 40-man roster and would appear to have the best chances of landing one of the final bullpen spots, and both could make the team if Kerkering is not ready for Opening Day.
