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Brock Stassi Emotional as Phillies Final Roster Spots Announced

By George Stockburger

Mar 24, 2017; Tampa, FL, USA; Philadelphia Phillies first baseman Brock Stassi (78) works out prior to their spring training game against the New York Yankees at George M. Steinbrenner Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 24, 2017; Tampa, FL, USA; Philadelphia Phillies first baseman Brock Stassi (78) works out prior to their spring training game against the New York Yankees at George M. Steinbrenner Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /
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Four Phillies compete for six spots as Spring Training came to a close, and Brock Stassi leaned his fate

After a crushing 14-1 loss to the Yankees the Phillies decision makers sat down and made their final roster cuts with opening day just five days away.

Reliever Luis Garcia was already informed he would not make the team, opening up roles for Adam Morgan and Edubray Ramos in the bullpen.

Three players came into Thursday’s game fighting for two bench spots: Daniel Nava, Brock Stassi, and Jesmuel Valentin.

Stassi, a 33rd round pick by the Phillies who hit six home runs in spring training, was asked by manager Pete Mackanin what number he wanted to wear on opening day.

Veteran Daniel Nava received the same news as Stassi, while the 22-year-old Valentin learned he would return to Triple-A Lehigh Valley.

While his parents didn’t answer the phone when he tried to notify them he made the team, Stassi said through tears that both are likely to be in Cincinnati on opening day.

“I’m so thankful,” said the 27-year-old Stassi as he attempted to hold back a stream of tears.

Because Stassi entered spring training on the non-roster invitee list, the Phillies needed to clear a spot on the 40-man roster. After trading pitcher Alec Asher to Baltimore, the team informed last years Rule 5 pick Tyler Goeddel he would be designated for assignment.

Goeddel must clear waivers before the Phillies send him to Double-A Reading after spending the entirety of last year in the big leagues.

Next: Five Phillies Storylines to Watch for in 2017

General manager Matt Klentak said Thursday that the final rosters are not set, as the team will keep an eye on the waiver wire leading up to the teams first game of the season in Cincinnati.

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