Where Phillies’ roster stands as final decisions loom
Major League Baseball teams must submit opening day rosters to the commissioner’s office by noon Thursday.
Teams can carry 30 players for the first two weeks before trimming down to 28 two weeks later and 26 two weeks after that.
Here’s a look at where the Phillies stand in the final hours before rosters are due.
STARTING PITCHERS (5)
Aaron Nola
Zack Wheeler
Vince Velasquez
Jake Arrieta
Zach Eflin
Note: This could change if Wheeler needs to go on paternity leave before his first start Saturday. He and his wife are expecting their first child. Eflin has been slowed by back spasms. His status hinges on the results of a simulated game Thursday. Spencer Howard has been assigned to the reserve squad in Lehigh Valley, but that’s probably just a temporary move to delay his free agency until after the 2026 season. He could be in the starting rotation by the second time through the rotation. “We’re really excited about him,” Joe Girardi said of Howard.
BULLPEN (11)
Nick Pivetta
Hector Neris
Adam Morgan (L)
Jose Alvarez (L)
Cole Irvin (L)
Tommy Hunter
Reggie McClain
Enyel De Los Santos
Garrett Cleavinger (L)
Deolis Guerra
Edgar Garcia
Note: All 11 of these pitchers are on the 40-man roster, which could facilitate decisions. Pivetta could still end up in the rotation if there are developments surrounding Wheeler or Eflin. In that case, the Phillies could start Victor Arano on the roster. He was slow coming around in camp and is still building arm strength. Robert Stock is on the 40-man roster so he could be a possibility. Veterans Blake Parker and Austin Davis remain possibilities as non-roster additions. Connor Brogdon, Damon Jones, Ramon Rosso and JoJo Romero are all young arms from the system who should be in play at some point, maybe sooner than later. The Phils could also make a late addition from outside the organization. Veteran Francisco Liriano was released, likely for financial reasons as the Phils remain right up against the luxury tax threshold.
CATCHERS (2)
J.T. Realmuto
Andrew Knapp
INFIELDERS (5)
Rhys Hoskins
Scott Kingery
Jean Segura
Didi Gregorius
Jay Bruce
Note: Bruce will be the primary designated hitter. Like Howard, corner infielder/DH Alec Bohm is expected to open on the reserve squad, but he could be in the mix during the 60-game season.
UTILITY (2)
Neil Walker
Phil Gosselin
Note: The Phillies signed Josh Harrison early in the offseason and he was long projected to be on the roster. But he asked for and was granted his release, probably for financial reasons, on Tuesday. That would seem to open a spot for Gosselin to be added to the roster. He has swung a hot bat. Ronald Torreyes, an excellent glove man and Girardi favorite, remains in the hunt, but Gosselin’s ability to play infield and outfield could give him the edge in that battle. Walker has been told he will make the opening day roster. His infield/outfield versatility is a plus.
OUTFIELDERS (5)
Bryce Harper
Andrew McCutchen
Roman Quinn
Adam Haseley
Nick Williams or Kyle Garlick
Note: Garlick could add some bench power and he is on the 40-man roster. Williams long ago fell out of favor with team officials, but he has not been traded and remains on the 40-man roster. Garlick and Williams both have minor-league options so they can be stashed on the reserve club in Lehigh Valley if the Phils wanted to carry an extra pitcher.
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