Phillies will regret not adding Tony Watson to 26-man roster
By Matt Rappa
It wasn’t likely both Tony Watson and Brandon Kintzler would make the team.
On Tuesday, left-handed Watson allowed a couple of hits and an unearned run. After the game, NBC Sports Philadelphia’s Jim Salisbury noted that manager Joe Girardi “did not sound optimistic” when asked if both Kintzler and Watson could make the team.
Girardi said he was not sure, and that the team would have discussions over the next few days and decide what is best for the team, adding: “They both have thrown the ball pretty well and we’re just going to have to make some decisions.”
Ultimately, Kintzler won a roster spot over Watson, who is a 10-year veteran with a career ERA of 2.80 ERA. Last season, he recorded a 2.50 ERA across 21 appearances and 18 innings. The 2020 Phillies finished one game out of a postseason spot because of their bullpen, and a reliever like Watson could have made all the difference. The club will regret not giving him an Opening Day roster spot.
Kintzler, Rondon, and Watson had been among nine pitchers competing for five bullpen spots, joining right-handers Archie Bradley and Hector Neris, and offseason trade acquisition, left-hander Jose Alvarado. Girardi prefers an eight-man bullpen and five-man bench, along with his eight position player starters and five rotation arms to round out the 26-man Phillies roster.
Luxury tax played a factor in Phillies not retaining Tony Watson
Both the Kintzer and Watson signings in mid-February were for one year and $3 million if either made the big-league club. The 2021 Phillies projected payroll already exceeds $200 million, close to the luxury tax threshold, so the team has recently been careful with adding players.