Which Phillies relievers will lead the pack for roster spot?

Who are locks, or likely bets, to make the Phillies bullpen?

To start, Jose Alvarado and Archie Bradley are locks for roster spots. Alvarado, 25, has been consistent throughout his four seasons at the major league level and has been on top of his game this spring. Bradley brings veteran experience to the club at 28-years-old. The past four seasons have also been pretty kind to him. He quickly became a fan favorite by embracing this city and fanbase.

Outside of Bradley and Alvarado, two other pitchers are very likely to make the active roster. Whether fans like it or not, Hector Neris will likely be in this bullpen again. The expectation should be for him to make the Opening Day roster. The 31-year-old is on a $5 million deal (ninth-highest paid Phillie) suggesting that he will still be sticking around. He has pitched fairly well this spring, but has also hit two batters already. Neris’ continual struggles with command have made it difficult for him to be consistent at the major league level.

David Hale is also likely to remain on the 26-man roster. After giving up an earned run in his first spring training outing, he has pitched 5 1/3 scoreless innings since. Like Neris, he has also hit two batters. Hopefully, that isn’t a sign of things to come. Hale really found a rhythm with the New York Yankees from 2018-2020. In 28 appearances with New York, he posted a 2.98 ERA and 1.8 walks/nine innings ratio. Hale isn’t expensive ($850,000 deal). The Phillies are hoping he can pitch like he did in New York after acquiring him midseason last year.