As the trade deadline approaches, the Philadelphia Phillies are looking to make some additions to their already dominant major league roster. There will, hopefully, be some roster changes to the active 26-man roster, but that means there will probably be some shuffling of the 40-man roster.
If they make enough moves, the Phillies will ultimately need to open up some spots on their 40-man roster to allow for an influx of talent. Which players on the Phillies 40-man roster will likely be on the bubble following the expected deadline transactions?
Here are three potential candidates whose spots could be in jeopardy in the coming weeks.
3 Phillies who won’t survive on 40-man roster past MLB trade deadline
Nick Nelson, RHP
Right-handed pitcher Nick Nelson once appeared to be a solid piece in terms of starting pitching depth for the Phillies. After all, he put up some respectable numbers as a starter in the minor leagues just last season. Over 25 starts, Nelson posted a 7-3 record with a 3.83 ERA and 1.39 WHIP, giving up 49 earned runs with 43 walks and 92 strikeouts in 115 innings.
However, while being utilized primarily as a reliever by the Phillies’ Triple-A affiliate Lehigh Valley IronPigs this season, Nelson has been a complete disaster in the role. In 17 appearances, he has compiled an abysmal 9.17 ERA and 1.87 WHIP while giving up more earned runs (18) than innings pitched (17 2/3). Nelson also appeared in three big league games for the Phillies early in the season but struggled as well with a 5.40 ERA and 1.80 WHIP.
With the Phillies likely looking for additional pitching depth at the trade deadline with a fair number of their pitchers currently on the IL, Nelson will need to pick up his game soon before his spot is eventually given to a deadline recruit instead.