3 Phillies players who could sneak onto the Opening Day roster
By Tim Boyle
How these three Philadelphia Phillies players can sneak onto the Opening Day roster.
The Philadelphia Phillies Opening Day roster won’t include too many surprises. However, there are a few spots on the fringes where a player could sneak in.
A strong spring could be the difference between playing in Triple-A to begin the year and the majors. These three players are already on the 40-man roster, giving them a little more pull toward starting the year with the big league club.
Will any of them have an impressive enough spring to sneak onto the roster? Performing well and outplaying their rival at a position is key.
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1) Phillies news: How Jake Cave can sneak onto the Opening Day roster
One of the more important depth pieces the Phillies have heading into this season, Jake Cave was a December waiver claim the club can benefit from having. He has over 100 plate appearances in each of the last 5 seasons. Although the .235/.297/.411 slash line he brings with him to Philadelphia isn’t impressive, having an experienced big leaguer available is a must.
Cave has played all three outfield positions with most of his career spent in center field. He belongs in the corner now. As a late-inning defensive replacement in left field, he can win a job as the fourth outfielder on this roster. He’s not a horrible hitter. Cave’s success in Triple-A and bench-acceptable numbers at the major league level should classify him as a Four-A guy.
An ideal Phillies bench for this season will include backup catcher Garrett Stubbs, infielder Edmundo Sosa, super utility man Josh Harrison, and an outfielder. Dalton Guthrie is the homegrown player with a strong shot at winning the gig. Because he can also play the infield and hit well in his limited action in 2022, Cave will need to prove experience is more important to win this job.
During the absence of Bryce Harper, Darick Hall is a realistic DH option for the team. Cave could be another guy the Phillies consider to take his roster spot. Put Kyle Schwarber in as the DH and let Cave start in left field. It improves the defense and might look the same on offense.