Phillies officially set 26-man Opening Day roster

Dave Dombrowski made it official Sunday. Justin Crawford and Andrew Painter are both on the Phillies Opening Day roster. Neither was a surprise. Both earned it.

Justin Crawford starts in center field Thursday against the Rangers at Citizens Bank Park. Andrew Painter takes the ball for Game 5 on March 31 against Washington. The Phillies have two rookies in meaningful roles from day one and the Spring gave every reason to feel good about both of them.

Justin Crawford controls the zone, plays center field well, brings speed and energy, and will hit ninth most nights. The Phillies know there will be growing pains and are accepting that in exchange for what he brings.

Justin Crawford hit a 106 MPH triple off Tarik Skubal, officially makes Opening Day roster >>

Andrew Painter’s velocity has been consistent and his breaking stuff has looked better than ever. He has earned everything he is getting.

The bullpen picture took one unexpected turn when Orion Kerkering was placed on the IL to continue building arm strength after being slowed by a hamstring strain early in camp. He could be ready in a couple of weeks.

The three spots that opened up went to Zach Pop, Kyle Backhus, and Tim Mayza. Backhus had a dominant Spring and earned his spot. Mayza is a veteran who has logged 50 or more appearances five times in his career. Pop was signed as a free agent in the offseason. Rule 5 pick Zach McCambley did not make the club and returns to Miami.

On the bench, Otto Kemp and Dylan Moore both won spots.

Otto Kemp platoons with Brandon Marsh in left. Dylan Moore gets the final spot because he can play everywhere. Edmundo Sosa remains the best player off the bench and could platoon with Bryson Stott at second.

Bryan De La Cruz had a great Spring but the Phillies want him playing every day in Triple-A rather than sitting on a big league bench, so he heads to Lehigh Valley.

Rafael Marchán is the backup catcher for the second straight year. He beat out Garrett Stubbs, whose situation could take a few days to resolve through trade or assignment.

Zack Wheeler opens on the IL but is expected back in about a month. He pitches in a minor league game Monday. When he comes back this rotation becomes something else entirely.

Here’s the Phillies 26-Man Opening Day Roster

Starting Pitchers: Cristopher Sanchez, Aaron Nola, Jesus Luzardo, Taijuan Walker, Andrew Painter

Bullpen: Jhoan Duran, Jose Alvarado, Brad Keller, Tanner Banks, Jonathan Bowlan, Kyle Backhus, Zach Pop, Tim Mayza

Catchers: JT Realmuto, Rafael Marchán

Designated Hitter: Kyle Schwarber

Infielders: Bryce Harper, Bryson Stott, Alec Bohm, Trea Turner, Edmundo Sosa, Dylan Moore

Outfielders: Justin Crawford, Brandon Marsh, Adolis Garcia, Otto Kemp

Injured List: Zack Wheeler, Orion Kerkering, Max Lazar

Thursday. Citizens Bank Park. Texas Rangers. Let’s go.

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