Phillies option RHP Victor Arano to alternate training site
By Matt Rappa
Right-handed Phillies reliever Victor Arano will not make the Opening Day roster
The Philadelphia Phillies are expected to carry 16 pitches — including 11 relief pitchers —on their 30-man Opening Day roster.
We now know at least one reliever currently in their 60-man player pool who will not make the cut; instead, they will report to the Phillies’ alternate training site in Lehigh Valley and will be on standby for a promotion back to the majors. According to the official Phillies transactions page, the club has optioned right-hander Victor Arano.
A three-year veteran, Arano, 25, was limited to just three appearances in 2019, having undergone season-ending surgery on his right elbow in late May.
The Cosamaloapan, Mexico, native reportedly felt shoulder soreness in December; his injury woes lingered into February and March, resulting in Arano not making an appearance in Grapefruit League action.
As of last week, Arano was reportedly “healthy,” albeit “behind schedule,” according to MLB.com’s Todd Zolecki, and was slated to throw live batting practice. The Athletic’s Matt Gelb reports he was unable to throw as much as he would like during the shutdown.
Perhaps Arano just needs some more time to get ready; the season opener is scheduled for Friday, July 24, less than a week away.
When healthy, as he was in 2018, Arano can be a valuable piece in the bullpen. That year, he posted a 2.73 ERA across 60 appearances, all the while striking out 60 batters and walking 17 in 59 1/3 frames.
The Phillies continue to make roster moves to iron out the 30 players they will carry on the Opening Day roster. They have also recently released non-roster invitee infielder Logan Forsythe, perhaps opening the door for players like Neil Walker and Josh Harrison to make the cut. More moves will surely be made as July 24 approaches; starting Saturday evening, the Phillies will play a three-day, three-game exhibition slate against the Washington Nationals, Baltimore Orioles and New York Yankees.