Phillies Option Bullpen Candidate Luis Garcia to Minors
Garcia opens up spots in the Phillies bullpen for some intriguing new options
As the Phillies set out for their split-squad games on Wednesday a competition was being set in two different ballparks in the state of Florida. Luis Garcia and Joely Rodriguez were essentially given one final chance to show why they deserve a role in the major league bullpen.
Rodriguez pitched two shutout innings against Pittsburgh, while the 30-year-old Garcia allowed two runs off five hits in an equal amount of time versus the Tigers.
Less than 24 hours later, Garcia was once again optioned to the minors in what appears to be his final shot to lock down his command.
#Phillies have optioned RHP Luis Garcia to minor league camp.
— Philadelphia Phillies (@Phillies) March 30, 2017
Garcia’s departure spells good news for Rodriguez and converted starter Adam Morgan as they continue to audition for bullpen jobs.
Philadelphia currently has 25 players on their active roster, but will need to eliminate one or two more to accommodate Brock Stassi and Daniel Nava.
Zach Eflin will likely be optioned to the minors with a lack of space available in the starting rotation, despite coming off a strong rookie season. Jesmuel Valentin will be the second player to watch as a minor league candidate with Scott Kingery expected to make the Lehigh Valley roster.
Expect Philadelphia to make a myriad of moves as opening day approaches on Tuesday. Phillies manager Pete Mackanin confirmed that the final 25-man roster should be completed on Thursday after the Yankees game.