After defeating the Red Sox 18-8 in Fort Myers, the Phillies trimmed their spring training roster by five players, leaving 45 still in camp.
Right-handed pitcher Mick Abel was optioned to Triple-A Lehigh Valley following his only Grapefruit League appearance, in which he allowed four runs (three earned) over 1⅔ innings. Additionally, four non-roster invitees — outfielders Gabriel Rincones Jr. and Matt Kroon, infielder Otto Kemp, and catcher Paul McIntosh — were reassigned to minor-league camp.
Abel, the Phillies’ 2020 first-round pick, has struggled with command in the minors, issuing 143 walks over 221 innings in the past two seasons. Last month, he acknowledged his tendency to overthink on the mound, saying, “The number one play is always to attack the zone, but I tend to overthink and try to do too much. Simplifying my approach is key. I have the stuff to succeed; it’s just about getting it in the zone and attacking.”
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The Phillies still have three roster battles to resolve: backup catcher (Rafael Marchan vs. Garrett Stubbs), the final bench spot, and the last two bullpen roles — especially with Matt Strahm’s shoulder impingement likely keeping him out for Opening Day.
Three of the four bench spots will likely go to Edmundo Sosa, the backup catcher, and Johan Rojas. Contenders for the last spot include Kody Clemens, Buddy Kennedy, Christian Arroyo, Oscar Mercado, and Cal Stevenson. Weston Wilson would have been in the mix if not for an oblique injury that will sideline him until at least April. Players with the ability to cover both infield and outfield positions have an advantage, with Clemens and Kennedy among those demonstrating versatility. Notably, all but Stevenson are out of minor-league options.
Due to Strahm’s injury, the Phillies are now likely to have two open bullpen spots rather than one. Taijuan Walker appears to have an edge for one of the roles, while the other will be contested by a group including Nabil Crismatt, Jose Cuas, John McMillon, Nick Vespi, Koyo Aoyagi, Devin Sweet, Tyler Phillips, Kyle Tyler, Michael Mercado, Guillo Zuñiga, and Joel Kuhnel. The team’s decision may hinge on whether they value strong spring performances or a different pitching profile. Side-armers Cuas and Aoyagi offer unique looks, while Crismatt relies on offspeed pitches. Vespi is the only left-hander in the group, and McMillon has stood out this spring with five strikeouts over four scoreless innings.
The Phillies have 13 more Grapefruit League games before Opening Day on March 27 in Washington, D.C.