That Balls Outta Here
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5 surprises on the Phillies’ Opening Day roster

By Gabrielle Starr

Jul 31, 2021; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Phillies third baseman Alec Bohm (28) warms up in the outfield before the game against the Pittsburgh Pirates at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 31, 2021; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Phillies third baseman Alec Bohm (28) warms up in the outfield before the game against the Pittsburgh Pirates at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports /
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PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – JULY 02: Didi Gregorius #18 outfield the Philadelphia Phillies throws to first base during the first inning against the San Diego Padres at Citizens Bank Park on July 02, 2021 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – JULY 02: Didi Gregorius #18 outfield the Philadelphia Phillies throws to first base during the first inning against the San Diego Padres at Citizens Bank Park on July 02, 2021 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images) /

2. Didi Gregorius

Didi Gregorius seemed to be begging for a trade with his social media activity during the winter and early spring, but he’s back for the final year of his Phillies’ contract.

The Phillies owe him around $15M this year, and after his down year in 2021, they weren’t able to trade him. Still, Dave Dombrowski said Gregorius wasn’t guaranteed to get the starting shortstop gig, and since Bryson Stott also made the roster, the former is going to have to share.

3. Bryson Stott

Speaking of Stott, after the dominant spring training he just had, it would be more surprising if he hadn’t made the Opening Day roster, but the reason he gets a spot on this list is that both he and Alec Bohm made the cut.

The infield is looking a little crowded, but manager Joe Girardi’s comments about using Stott as a glorified super-utility infielder are concerning, to say the least. After all, it’s how the Phillies broke Scott Kingery only a few years ago.

Stott more than earned his place with the big boys, but if they’re not going to use him properly, he’d be better served getting work in at Triple-A until the Phillies realize they need to give him what he truly deserves.

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