The Phillies are beginning to finalize their roster ahead of Opening Day on April 1st against the Atlanta Braves. A bunch of moves were announced earlier today.

Here’s a quick rundown of the roster moves and where we currently stand:

Outfielder Matt Joyce was informed that he has made the Opening Day roster.

Reliever Brandon Kintzler was informed that he has made the Opening Day roster.

Spencer Howard has been optioned to Triple-A to begin the 2021 season.

Reliever Tony Watson was granted his release.

There are definitely more updates coming. With the Phillies adding Matt Joyce to their Opening Day roster, they are still one outfielder above the projected five players that will make the club out of Spring Training. This could mean that Odubel Herrera could start the season in Triple-A. Why Herrera? It would benefit the Phillies to option Herrera because they would not have to clear a 40-man roster spot since he was in Spring Training as a non-roster invite.

As for the bullpen, Tony Watson being released and Spencer Howard heading to the minor-leagues could mean that Vincent Velasquez will secure the final spot in the Phillies’ bullpen for Opening Day.

The bullpen could end up looking like this:

1. Hector Neris
2. Archie Bradley
3. Jose Alvarado
4. Connor Brogdon
5. JoJo Romero
6. Sam Coonrod
7. Brandon Kintzler
8. Velasquez

Joe Girardi is expected to speak with the media this afternoon. I’ll keep you updated as news continues to break.

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