The Phillies on Saturday morning cut their spring training roster down to 29 players, leaving two men in competition for both the final bench role and spot on the pitching staff.
Kody Clemens and Buddy Kennedy are the last reserves left after Cal Stevenson was optioned to Triple A and non-roster invitees Christian Arroyo and Oscar Mercado were reassigned to minor-league camp.
Tyler Phillips and Michael Mercado are the last two pitching staff hopefuls remaining after Kyle Tyler was optioned to Triple A and Nabil Crismatt was reassigned to minor-league camp.
One of Clemens or Kennedy will make the Opening Day roster unless the Phillies trade for or sign someone who doesn’t have a role on another team and fits their bench better. Ideally, this bench bat would hit right-handed because the Phillies never pinch-hit a lefty for Trea Turner, Alec Bohm, Nick Castellanos or J.T. Realmuto. They do pinch-hit for Johan Rojas, who will make the team as the fourth outfielder, but when Rojas starts it means Marsh is on the bench to fill that role.
Clemens, who hits left-handed and is out of minor-league options, continues to make it a difficult call, though. He would obviously be claimed by another team if the Phillies don’t carry him on their Opening Day roster and try to pass him through waivers. Preserving depth is important, and we’ll know in a few days whether the Phillies deem it more important to keep Clemens in the organization or opt for the right-handed bat. If they do go with Clemens, then Edmundo Sosa would be their only viable right-handed pinch-hitting choice.
Kennedy, too, is out of options. The Phillies have gotten him 21 innings in left field this spring because they want their final bench player to be able to help out in the corner outfield if needed. Kennedy is just 6-for-35 (.171) but has three homers, a double and 10 walks.
Clemens is 14-for-46 (.304) this spring with two homers, a triple, two doubles and seven RBI. The Phillies know as well as any team that he’s a solid extra man because he’s delivered more than a few clutch hits in his two seasons in the organization. He was the distant second piece in their January 2023 trade with Detroit for reliever Gregory Soto but has turned out to be the longer-lasting acquisition.
The pitching staff decisions will depend on the readiness of Ranger Suarez (back stiffness) and Matt Strahm (left shoulder impingement).
Suarez seems like a longshot for the Opening Day roster given the…