3 Phillies players who might not be on the roster by May 1

A 4-9 start is not what the Philadelphia Phillies envisioned the year after winning the National League Pennant. Injuries have decimated the club with key players like Bryce Harper, Rhys Hoskins, and Ranger Suarez missing substantial time.

Even with the injuries, the Phillies are way better than their lackluster record shows, and they'll rebound sooner than later. However, to rebound, the Phillies will need to make some adjustments. What they're doing hasn't worked, and even in their current state they should be beating teams like the Reds and Marlins.

There are three players who might not last the rest of the month on the current roster.

1) Phillies outfielder Jake Cave might not be on the roster by May 1

Jake Cave was claimed off of waivers by the Phillies this offseason and was expected to provide some outfield depth. The Harper injury has forced him into a starting role against right-handed pitching, and Cave simply hasn't hit well enough to keep earning more starts.

The 30-year-old has just four hits in his first 24 at-bats with a home run and a double. If the Phillies want this kind of lackluster offensive production, they can just stick Cristian Pache in the lineup every day in center field and at least get his outstanding glove.

The Phillies need to do something to spark their offense as they're 24th in runs scored. Having Cave play every game against righties only to get four hits in his first 24 at-bats isn't exactly going to improve that. Bring someone like Dalton Guthrie or even Scott Kingery up to see what they can do in the outfield on days Pache doesn't play. It really can't be much worse.

2) Phillies pitcher McKinley Moore might not be on the roster by May 1

With injuries to Ranger Suarez, Cristopher Sanchez, and Rule-5 pick Noah Song, the Phillies have had to piece together the back end of their pitching staff. Matt Strahm has been starting games, and McKinley Moore is currently the last man in the bullpen.

Moore was acquired by the Philllies for Adam Hasely and struck out 12.9 batters per nine last season for AA Reading. He earned an early-season call-up by Philadelphia thanks to his 9,1 scoreless innings this spring. Unfortunately, his two MLB outings have gone poorly, and as a reliever with options, he'll likely go down at some point.

Moore allowed three runs while recording just four outs in his MLB debut against the Marlins. Fortunately the Phillies were up 13-0 when that happened. Moore allowed a run in an inning of work last night in a Philadelphia loss.

Moore will likely be one of those relievers shuttled up and down from the minors to the majors. The Phillies only have a couple of arms they'd realistically send down, and Moore is one of them.