The Philadelphia Phillies are less than a week from their first regular season game of 2025. The club's Opening Day roster is taking shape with only a few cuts remaining. Philadelphia has a veteran roster that is hoping to win the World Series.
The Phillies do not have too many players competing for significant spots. As long as the Phillies roster remains healthy heading into next week, there are not too many reserve spots available. Which players could make the 2025 Opening Day roster but no longer be with the team by May.
3 Phillies who will make the 2025 Opening Day roster but will be gone by May
Tyler Phillips
Tyler Phillips had an inconsistent campaign with the Phillies in 2024. The right-hander made seven starts and one relief appearance during his first year in the majors. He posted a 6.87 ERA and allowed 28 earned runs in 36 2/3 innings.
Phillips compiled a 1.80 ERA, allowing five earned runs and three home runs in 25 innings during three starts and one relief appearance in July. He did not do well in three August outings, surrendering 17 earned runs, four home runs and 20 hits in 11 innings. He finished with a colossal 13.91 ERA in the month. The 27-year-old struggled in his only appearance in September when he allowed six earned runs, eight hits and two home runs in only 2/3 of an inning.
The Lumberton, New Jersey, native has made four relief appearances and one start for Philadelphia in spring training. With a healthy starting rotation, Phillips would be competing for a spot in the Phillies bullpen. With the recent Ranger Suárez injury concerns, he might have a chance at the rotation again.
Phillips has allowed nine earned runs on nine hits and seven walks in 9 2/3 innings this spring. He may make the Opening Day roster in the bullpen if Matt Strahm begins the regular season on the IL. Based on his performance with the team, he has an uphill battle to remain with Philadelphia. He already beat out Devin Sweet, who was optioned, for a bullpen spot, though.
Several pitchers are ahead of Phillips on the depth chart. José Alvarado, Jordan Romano, Orion Kerkering, Tanner Banks and José Ruiz have performed better this spring. Taijuan Walker and Joe Ross will also be on the Phillies' roster.
Based on his spring training, Nabil Crismatt has a good chance of appearing with the club during the year. Phillips is out of minor league options, which may work in his favor to make the team once spring training concludes. The Phillies have a decision to make if they do not want to lose him to another club. If they option him to Triple-A Lehigh Valley, he has to clear waivers. If he makes the team, he has a strong chance of not remaining with the Phillies if he doesn't show improvement during the regular season.