3 Phillies players who could sneak onto the Opening Day roster

3) Phillies news: How Eric Uelmen can sneak onto the Opening Day roster

Not too many of the minor league relievers the Phillies brought in this winter look like realistic options for the Opening Day roster. Erich Uelmen is one they felt they needed. Purchased from the Chicago Cubs, he’s coming off of a rookie campaign that included 25 games, 27 innings, and a 4.67 ERA.

There is some upside with Uelmen. He’s a converted starter who spent all of last year pitching in relief. Things worked out well for him in Triple-A. In his 42 innings of work Uelmen posted a 2.79 ERA. His 11.1 strikeouts per 9 was pleasant to see. The big problem with him remains his control. He walked batters at a rate of 4.9 per 9 in those 42 frames, too.

Uelmen’s way to sneak onto the Opening Day roster would likely only occur if a single reliever gets hurt. The Phillies don’t have too many competitions in the bullpen brewing. Andrew Bellatti and Connor Brogdon were far too successful last season for Uelmen to jump ahead of either with an impressive spring.

Escaping the preseason with a fully healthy roster is a dream scenario for any ball club. If the team loses anyone to an injury, Uelmen should be one of the first candidates to slide onto the roster.