Philadelphia Phillies Finalize Opening Day Roster
In spite of Opening Day being postponed to Friday, the Philadelphia Phillies finalized their 26-man roster and their injured list for the start of the season.
The Philadelphia Phillies finalized their 26-man roster for Opening Day on Thursday and there was little suspense.
With a steady roster filled with veterans and young players that had already won jobs, the Phillies didn’t pull any wild moves.
The Phillies did list Whit Merrifield as a utility player, but he figures to be the fifth outfielder with Nick Castellanos, Brandon Marsh, Cristian Pache and Johan Rojas. The Phillies traded Jake Cave to Colorado earlier this week.
The Phillies also finalized their injured list to start the season.
Most were expected as well. Right-handed pitchers Taijuan Walker (right shoulder soreness), Orion Kerkering (right forearm strain), Dylan Covey (right shoulder strain) and Michael Rucker (right hand) were all placed on the 15-day IL.
Catcher Rafael Marchan (lower back pain) was placed on the 10-day IL.
All injury list moves are retroactive to March 25.
Walker’s injury, along with pushing back Opening Day one day, paves the way for Spencer Turnbull to start the Phillies’ fifth game of the season, set for Tuesday. The original plan was for Zack Wheeler to pitch Opening Day and then pitch the season’s fifth game on normal rest, thanks to the off-day.
But, with the Phillies using Friday’s off-day to push back Opening Day, the Phillies will use Turnbull and put him on an innings/pitch count.
Philadelphia Phillies 2024 Opening Day Roster
Pitchers (13): Jose Alvarado, Cristopher Sanchez, Gregory Soto, Matt Strahm, Ranger Suarez, Connor Brogdon, Seranthony Dominguez, Jeff Hoffman, Yunior Marte, Aaron Nola, Luis Ortiz, Spencer Turnbull and Zack Wheeler
Catchers (2): J.T. Realmuto and Garrett Stubbs
Infielders (5): Alec Bohm, Bryce Harper, Edmundo Sosa, Bryson Stott and Trea Turner
Outfielders (4): Nick Castellanos, Brandon Marsh, Cristian Pache and Johan Rojas
Utility (1): Whit Merrifield
Designated Hitter (1): Kyle Schwarber
