Do you miss baseball? You’re not alone. In fact, to make you miss it even more, today should have been the Phillies home opener at Citizens Bank Park.
As you probably know, recently the MLB and MLBPA reached an agreement on a variety of different topics regarding a delayed season. One of which, is a 29 man roster for the 2020 baseball season. So lets see what the 29 man roster could look like:
Starting Pitchers (6):
Aaron Nola, Zack Wheeler, Jake Arrieta, Zach Eflin, Nick Pivetta, Spencer Howard
Obviously the most interesting name is Spencer Howard. With a possible June/July season start date, This would give the Phillies the motive to begin the season with Spencer Howard on the big league club. This doesn’t necessarily mean that the Phillies would run a six man rotation, but rather, have Howard come out of the bullpen for the first month or so , and when/if a starter is struggling, Howard would slide into that rotation spot.
Relief Pitchers: (9)
Hector Neris, Victor Arano, Adam Morgan, Jose Alvarez, Ranger Suarez, Francisco Liriano, Vince Velasquez, Tommy Hunter, Robert Stock
This is probably where it gets the most interesting. There is so much opportunity in the Phillies bullpen. Hector Neris, Adam Morgan, and Jose Alvarez can all be considered locks. Tommy Hunter and Victor Arano also fall under that category when healthy, and with the delay, they both should be. The same can’t be said for Seranthony Dominguez, who was recommended Tommy John surgery earlier this week. Vince Velasquez figures to make the roster, whether it be the rotation or bullpen. Same goes for Ranger Suarez. Francisco Liriano is also considered a heavy favorite, and most likely would have made the original 26 man roster as well. The last spot is honestly a toss up. The Phillies have a grab bag of RPs with major league experience. Robert Stock didn’t see any Grapefruit league action due to an injury, but with the delay, he could have an inside chance over others due to the fact that he is already on the 40-man roster. Same goes with Deolis Guerra, who is out of options as well, meaning, if he doesn’t make the team, he will have to be DFA’d. If the Phillies wanted to go with more serviceable long relief options due to stockpiled games, they could look at Enyel De Los Santos or Cole Irvin. Edgar Garcia, and Reggie McClain are also on the 40-man. Names like Blake Parker, Bud Norris, Drew Storen, Anthony Swarzak, and possibly Austin Davis will be discussed as well.
Catchers (2):
J.T. Realmuto, Andrew Knapp
This one is pretty self explanatory. Things could get interesting if the Phillies decide to carry three catchers, they could bring Deivy Grullon with them, but that doesn’t seem too likely. The odds of seeing Grullon at some poin this season are strong, however.
Infielders (7):
Rhys Hoskins, Jean Segura, Scott Kingery, Didi Gregorius, Josh Harrison, Neil Walker, Logan Forsythe
Originally, the infield battle was the most interesting of them all. One of Harrison, Forsythe, and Walker weren’t going to make the roster, but now, that problem is solved as all three should be heading north. Some other infielders could be seem throughout the season, like 40-man roster member Arquimedes Gamboa, and possibly Phil Gosselin and Ronald Torreyes could make an appearance. Obviously Alec Bohm will be up sooner rather than later.
Outfielders (5):
Bryce Harper, Andrew McCutchen, Adam Haseley, Roman Quinn, Jay Bruce
McCutchen will definitely be ready for the delayed opening day after originally not being slated to be ready for March 26th. The rest of the OF is pretty self explanatory. Nick Williams and Kyle Garlick are also on the 40-man, and it was possible that Garlick would have made the 26-man roster as the 5th OF while Cutch was out. It is possible that Nick Martini is up at some point throughout the season as well.
-PhilliesUniverse (@philliesuniverse_ on Instagram)
Political Theory & Journalism Major at Delaware Tech. Soon to be Arizona State Sun Devil
