The Philadelphia Phillies are now just 12 days away from the start of the 2025 MLB season, and as Opening Day nears, the team has made additional roster cuts. Seven players have been optioned to Minor League Camp: pitchers Koyo Aoyagi, Jose Cuas, Joel Kuhnel, John McMillon, Guillo Zuniga, left-hander Nick Vespi, and infielder Rodolfo Castro.
One of the more notable names is Koyo Aoyagi, who signed with the Phillies after nine seasons with Japan’s Hanshin Tigers, where he compiled an 82-61 record and a 3.00 ERA. However, in three innings of Spring Training, Aoyagi struggled with a 12.00 ERA, six strikeouts, and a 3.00 WHIP. He will begin 2025 with Triple-A Lehigh Valley.
John McMillon also drew attention this spring, tossing five scoreless innings with six strikeouts and a 1.20 WHIP. The right-hander impressed enough to remain on the radar for a potential MLB call-up later this season.
Rodolfo Castro, another familiar name, was acquired by Philadelphia from Pittsburgh in a trade for Bailey Falter back in 2023. After splitting time between the big-league club and Triple-A last year, Castro struggled this spring, slashing just .038 with a .232 OPS over 26 at-bats, along with one stolen base. He will look to regain form in the minors.
As for the other pitchers: Cuas posted a 14.40 ERA across five innings, Kuhnel finished with a 4.15 ERA and four strikeouts in 4.1 innings, Zuniga recorded a 10.13 ERA in 2.2 innings, and Vespi was solid with a 1.80 ERA in five innings. The Phillies will open their 2025 season on March 27 against the Washington Nationals in D.C.