Phillies 26-Man Roster: Notes and Projected Opening Day lineup

The Phillies announced yesterday that outfielder Jake Cave was shipped to the Colorado Rockies for cash considerations. Their final roster move came with utility man Kody Clemens being optioned to Minor League camp. 

The Phillies also reassigned Andrew Bellatti and Jose Ruiz to Minor League camp, which pretty much finalized their Opening Day Roster when they welcome the Atlanta Braves to Citizens Bank Park on Thursday at 3PM. 

Peace, Love, Rojas

One of the main “position battles” in Spring Training has been sorted out with Johan Rojas not only making the 26-man roster, but now starting in centerfield on Thursday. 

Rojas’ struggles at the plate are glaring, will be given the opportunity to develop at the major league level – getting everyday at-bats in center. During Spring Training, Rojas is batting just .170 with a .464 OPS. 

Johan Rojas should start the 2024 season in Lehigh Valley >>

Phillies Bench

With Cave heading to Colorado, Cristian Pache was given the final roster spot on the bench. He was out of options so sending him down the minor leagues wasn’t considered and he will get starts in left field against left-handed pitchers. Pache, who I still believe should be starting in centerfield, will provide insurance there as well if Rojas continues to struggle at the plate. 

On the bench, the Phillies will carry just one left handed bat with Garrett Stubbs, and three right handed bats in Edmundo Sosa, Whit Merrifield, and Cristian Pache. 

Adjustments to the Starting Rotation 

Phillies Rotation Depth Chart: Zach Wheeler, Aaron Nola, Ranger Suarez, Cristopher Sanchez, Spencer Turnbull, Taijuan Walker. 

Spencer Turnbull will open the season in the starting rotation, taking the injured Taijuan Walker spot. He will pitch the sixth game of the regular season on April 3rd against the Cincinnati Reds. 

Starting Rotation: First 6 Games

1. Zack Wheeler 
2. Aaron Nola 
3. Ranger Suarez 
4. Cristopher Sanchez 
5. Zack Wheeler 
6. Spencer Turnbull 

Phillies Bullpen Depth Chart 

With Turnbull now in the rotation until Walker is available from the 15-Day Injured List, the Phillies have Connor Brogdon, Luis Ortiz, and Yunior Marte all in the bullpen, while Orion Kettering also opens up the regular season on the injured list. 

Brogdon appeared in seven games this Spring, posting a 4.15 ERA with seven strikeouts and a 1.85 WHIP in 8.2 innings of work. Ortiz went 0-2 with eight strikeouts and a 0.89 WHIP over nine innings of work and Marte posted a squeaky clean 0.00 ERA over 10 innings of work with seven strikeouts and a 0.80 WHIP. 

Phillies Bullpen:

1. Jose Alvarado 
2. Jeff Hoffman 
3. Seranthony Dominguez 
4. Matt Strahm 
5. Gregory Soto 
6. Dylan Covey 
7. Yunior Marte
8. Luis Ortiz 
9. Orion Kerkering 

Projected Opening Day Lineup

The Phillies Opening Day Lineup will probably feature Kyle Schwarber leading off with Alec Bohm in the cleanup spot. Zack Wheeler will get the start and for now, Jose Alvarado will be the Phillies’ closer. 

1. Kyle Schwarber, DH
2. Trea Turner, SS
3. Bryce Harper, 1B
4. Alec Bohm, 3B
5. Bryson Stott, 2B
6. J.T. Realmuto, C
7. Nick Castellanos, RF
8. Brandon Marsh, LF
9. Johan Rojas, CF

SP: RHP Zack Wheeler
CL: RHP Jose Alvarado

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