Spring training has begun and that means position battles are underway for the Philadelphia Phillies. The Phillies have non-roster invitees, prospects, and players with experience in the majors competing for a couple of bench spots. Prospect Gabriel Rincones Jr. is one player who is expected to compete for a spot on the Opening Day roster. However, he started camp with an injury.
Rincones made a notable impression with his power last spring when he was in big league camp with the Phillies. The organization's lack of outfield depth gives him a good opportunity to make the Opening Day roster this year, but his ailment may end up costing him a bench spot.
Gabriel Rincones Jr. is behind in spring training with a knee injury, putting his chances of making Phillies Opening Day roster in jeopardy
According to On Pattison's Tim Kelly, Phillies manager Rob Thomson said Rincones is dealing with left knee soreness and is behind to begin spring training. It sounds like he'll still be able to get into the Grapefruit League action, which begins on Feb. 21 when the Phillies play the Toronto Blue Jays.
But it sounds like it might take a while. Thomson is "hopeful he’ll be able to play by the middle of the Grapefruit League slate."
Gabriel Rincones will be a bit behind when he arrives to Spring Training. He has knee soreness, particularly on the left side. Rob Thomson said he’s hopeful he’ll be able to play by the middle of the Grapefruit League slate. @OnPattison
— Tim Kelly (@TimKellySports) February 12, 2026
Rincones, who ranks as the Phillies' No. 9 MLB Pipeline prospect, has yet to make his major league debut but was expected to compete for a roster spot. However, if injuries become an issue that costs him playing time in spring training, it's more likely he begins the year in Triple-A Lehigh Valley.
The Boynton Beach, Florida, native totaled 18 home runs, 73 RBIs, and slashed .240/.370/.430 with an .800 OPS in 119 games with the IronPigs in Triple-A last year. He played in 77 games in right field during 2025 and could be an option for the outfield in a reserve/platoon role.
Rincones looks to have an uphill battle to make the Opening Day roster, considering he'll be weeks behind everyone else when he's ready to debut in spring training and the Phillies have several options who have major league experience.
The 24-year-old is competing for a bench spot with several players, including non-roster invitees Dylan Moore, Bryan De La Cruz, and other members on the 40-man roster such as Otto Kemp, Johan Rojas, and Pedro León.
Moore, De La Cruz, Kemp, and Rojas all have previous experience playing in the majors. Kemp and Rojas are former Phillies prospects who have been with the team in recent seasons. Right now, Kemp looks to be the favorite to win the platoon role with Brandon Marsh in left field (subscription required).
Moore's first season in the major leagues was in 2019 with the Seattle Mariners. He can play all over the field and has a Gold Glove to his name. De La Cruz debuted with the Miami Marlins in 2021 and has shown lots of power potential, swatting 21 home runs in 2024.
We'll have to wait and see what Rincones looks like when he gets into spring games, but odds are he begins the year in the minors and has to wait for his chance to show the Phillies what he can do in the big leagues.