Phillies roster takes shape with final cuts and key injury news

The Phillies woke up Saturday morning and decided it was time to clean house. With Opening Day looming, the club made a slew of roster moves that all but finalize what this team’s going to look like when the gates open at in Washington D.C. on March 27th.

Phillies Transaction List

• Optioned to Triple-A: OF Cal Stevenson, RHP Kyle Tyler
• Reassigned to Minor League Camp: INF Christian Arroyo, C Josh Breaux, RHP Nabil Crismatt, OF Oscar Mercado

That leaves 31 players still in big-league camp, and the roster battles are now down to a couple of key names — with some notable injury updates looming in the background.

Prior to today’s game, the Phillies optioned OF Cal Stevenson and RHP Kyle Tyler to Lehigh Valley (AAA). Additionally, the following players were reassigned to minor league camp: INF Christian Arroyo, C Josh Breaux, RHP Nabil Crismatt and OF Oscar Mercado.

— Philadelphia Phillies (@Phillies) March 22, 2025

Kody Clemens vs. Buddy Kennedy for the Final Bench Spot

With Arroyo and Stevenson out of the mix, the final bench spot is coming down to Kody Clemens vs. Buddy Kennedy — and both are out of options, which puts the Phillies in a tough spot. You lose whoever you don’t keep.

Clemens has the edge in experience and has been a lefty bat the Phillies have leaned on in the past, while Kennedy brings a bit more versatility, especially since the team had him working in the outfield this offseason.

That wasn’t for fun — they clearly see value in his potential utility role.

If they think Clemens is more plug-and-play right now, he probably gets the nod. But if they’re looking for someone who can grow into a hybrid bench role long term, Kennedy might sneak through.

Nabil Crismatt Cut Likely Means Good News on the Health Front

The biggest surprise on the list was Nabil Crismatt, who looked like he had a real shot to break camp with the big-league club. But his reassignment probably means both Ranger Suárez and Matt Strahm are trending toward being ready for Opening Day.

According to Todd Zolecki, Strahm threw Saturday morning at the complex. If all goes well, he should be good to go. And if that’s the case, there’s no need to keep Crismatt on the roster just to DFA him days later. It’s roster protection 101.

Ranger Suarez dealing with back stiffness, Phillies’ rotation takes its first hit

One Bullpen Spot Still in Flux

If Suárez or Strahm isn’t ready, then it’s likely Michael Mercado or Tyler Phillips takes the last bullpen spot. Both are still in camp and offer depth, with Phillips being more stretched out and Mercado having the higher ceiling.

And let’s not forget about Taijuan Walker, who was originally slotted into the bullpen. If Suárez isn’t cleared, Walker slides back into the rotation, which bumps one of those arms up a notch.

What’s Left: 31 Players in Phillies Camp

Rotation:
Wheeler, Nola, Sanchez, Luzardo, Suárez, Walker, (Painter – IL)

Bullpen:
Alvarado, Romano, Strahm, Kerkering, Banks, Ruiz, Ross, Mercado, Phillips

Catchers:
Realmuto, Marchan

Infielders:
Harper, Stott, Turner, Bohm, Sosa, Clemens, Kennedy

Outfielders:
Castellanos, Marsh, Kepler, Schwarber, Rojas, Wilson

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Final Thought: Roster is Nearly Locked, But Watch the Injury News

It’s all going to come down to how the Strahm/Suárez injuries shake out and how aggressive the Phillies want to be with managing depth. If they think someone isn’t quite 100%, they can hold them back a few days and avoid a messy roster move with someone like Clemens, Kennedy, or Crismatt.

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