Phillies Make Series of Roster Moves Ahead of Opening Day

The Philadelphia Phillies made several roster adjustments on Saturday morning as they continue shaping their team for the 2025 season.

Players Optioned and Reassigned

Outfielder Cal Stevenson and right-handed pitcher Kyle Tyler have been optioned to Triple-A Lehigh Valley, while four other players have been reassigned to minor league camp:

• Christian Arroyo (Infielder)
• Josh Breaux (Catcher)
• Nabil Crismatt (Right-Handed Pitcher)
• Oscar Mercado (Outfielder)

These moves reduce the Phillies’ roster, leaving only a handful of players competing for the final spots ahead of Opening Day.

Bench Competition Heats Up

With roster cuts narrowing down, the fight for the last bench spot is intensifying. Kody Clemens and Buddy Kennedy, both of whom are out of minor-league options, are the leading candidates. Whoever secures the spot will join Rafael Marchan, John Rojas, and Edmundo Sosa on the Phillies’ bench to start the season.

Rotation and Bullpen Spots Still in Flux

The Phillies are monitoring the health of Matt Strahm and Ranger Suárez, which will determine the final rotation and bullpen decisions. As of Saturday, the team expects Suárez to potentially miss time, while Strahm is more likely to be available.

If Suárez is not ready for Opening Day and Strahm is good to go, Taijuan Walker will start the season in the rotation. Meanwhile, Tyler Phillips and Michael Mercado are still in the mix for bullpen spots, depending on how the roster shakes out. The Phillies won’t need a fifth starter until April 3, which gives them additional flexibility in making their final decision.

Justin Crawford and Gabriel Rincones Jr. Assigned to Triple-A

According to multiple reports, Justin Crawford will begin the season in Triple-A Lehigh Valley, with Gabriel Rincones Jr. joining him in the outfield. Crawford, ranked as Phillies Nation’s No. 4 prospect, played just 40 games at Double-A last year, posting a .333 batting average with an .834 OPS. He went 4-for-11 in Grapefruit League action this spring.

Rincones showcased his power during big-league camp, hitting three home runs among his five total hits in Grapefruit League play while driving in seven runs. After being limited by injury last season, he posted a .263/.357/.487 slash line with 11 home runs in Double-A Reading.

With Opening Day fast approaching, the Phillies’ roster is taking shape, but a few key decisions remain before the team finalizes its squad for the start of the season.