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4 more intriguing Phillies spring training storylines to watch as games begin

Here are some intriguing storylines for Phillies fans to pay attention to with spring training games underway.

By Matt Grazel |
Championship Series - Philadelphia Phillies v Arizona Diamondbacks - Game Five
Championship Series - Philadelphia Phillies v Arizona Diamondbacks - Game Five / Harry How/GettyImages
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It has been over a week since Philadelphia Phillies pitchers and catchers reported to Clearwater for the start of spring training on Feb. 14. Expectations are high for a second consecutive season following the team's surprising run to the 2022 World Series.

We have already covered several noteworthy storylines for Phillies fans to pay attention to, with the regular season beginning in just over a month on March 28. From Johan Rojas' attempt to solidify the Opening Day center field job to Cristopher Sanchez's performance for the No. 5 starter role to the battle for the final bullpen spots, there's no lack of intrigue this spring.

Now that the rest of the ballclub has reported and games have started, there are more developments to follow.

Let's take a look at four more intriguing spring training storylines for the Phillies.

Which reliever(s) will win the battle for the job of Phillies closer?

Who will be the Phillies' primary closer this season? Will it be José Alvarado? Jeff Hoffman? Gregory Soto? Alvarado is listed as the closer, according to FanGraphs' Roster Resource. If manager Rob Thomson were to appoint one reliever for the role, it appears that it would be the left-hander.

It also appears that Thomson will consider using a closer-by-committee approach based on availability and matchups. Alvarado, Hoffman, Soto, Seranthony Domínguez, and Matt Strahm are the primary candidates who will receive opportunities for the position in the Phillies bullpen.

Previously during a guest spot on Feb. 7 SportsRadio 94 WIP Morning Show with Joe DeCamara and Jon Ritchie, the president of baseball operations, Dave Dombrowski, mentioned how the organization feels about the capabilities of having a few relievers who can close games for them.

"I'm not sure coming out [of spring training] that we will have a designated closer," Dombrowski said. "I mean, Alvarado can close games, Soto's had over 30 saves, he can close games... Seranthony has closed games in the past... Hoffman has the ability to do that, I wouldn't even discount a guy like [Orion] Kerkering closing some games.

"So, I think we're more of a club that looks at using a closer by if you want to say committee [or] matchups more than you do just say this is a designated guy, but we feel we have a lot of guys that can close games."

Based on Dombrowski's comments and how Thomson approached the role last postseason by not naming a closer, the Phillies could begin the regular season by giving a few relievers extended looks at closing games. Someone may emerge to get more opportunities after the first month or quarter of the season.

It seems to be a spot that is very much undecided at this point so it's worth keeping an eye on during spring training Grapefruit League action.

The battle for the final bench spots

The recent addition of utility player Whit Merrifield provides more competition for not only bench players for the infield but also the outfield. Players such as Rodolfo Castro, Kody Clemens, Darick Hall, and Weston Wilson will need to make quite an impression to remain with the Phillies this year. Wilson has two minor league options remaining, while Castro, Clemens, and Hall all have one option remaining.

Edmundo Sosa is another infielder whose role with the club could be impacted by the signing of the 2023 All-Star, while Jake Cave and Cristian Pache will also be competing for outfield playing time in a reserve role.

Cave, Sosa, and Pache don't have any more options. The Phillies don't have room on the bench for all three, so will have to hope one clears waivers to be assigned to the Lehigh Valley IronPigs club in Triple-A. Another possibility may be that one of the three is traded before the start of the regular season.

How will the Phillies use Whit Merrifield?

Merrifield is another experienced player who will presumably be used in a reserve role with all of the Phillies regulars healthy. He has spent the most time playing second base and left field, with time in right and center. With Kyle Schwarber transitioning to a full-time role as the club's DH this season, the 35-year-old could be an option for them to play in left, particularly if Brandon Marsh needs to play center field at any time.

During games in which right fielder Nick Castellanos is the club's DH, Merrifield could play in right field. If center fielder Johan Rojas is sent down to the minor leagues at the start or during the regular season, the Florence, South Carolina native could receive playing time there as well.

If Bryson Stott receives a day off, Merrifield could play at second base, the position he has the most experience playing at during his career. He doesn't have much experience playing at first or third base during his time in the majors, so it remains to be seen if Thomson would play him there. However, if the club is in a pinch, the veteran could also receive playing time at either of those positions.

Look for Merrifield to be used defensively at a few different positions this season for Philadelphia. He made his Phillies spring training debut with a start at second base on Saturday.

How Harper adapts to being the Phillies' full-time first baseman

Following Rhys Hoskins' injury a year ago, the Phillies were in a bind at the position. Hall's injury and struggles also put the club in a tough spot in finding a suitable replacement. Alec Bohm was not a long-term option, considering he was needed at third base.

After undergoing Tommy John surgery for an injury he sustained playing in the outfield, Bryce Harper emerged as an option to play at first base. He played there gradually last season before becoming the everyday player at the position later in the year.

The decision to make Harper the Phillies' full-time first baseman during the offseason led to Hoskins departing the club in free agency. The former right fielder wants to remain playing first base for the long term as well.

Harper answered questions on the matter not long after he arrived in Clearwater for the first full-squad workout.

"I don't think I'll move out to right. I don't. But never say never," Harper said.

He also went into detail about the conversation Dombrowski and he had during the offseason about him playing at first base full-time for the organization.

"Me and Dombo, we sat down and he said this would be great for our organization," Harper said. "I wanted them to know that I was on board with anything they wanted to do. I said, 'If you want me in right field, I'll play right. If you want me at first, I'll play first base.' I think collectively, they said, 'First base is where we want you.' I said, 'OK, I'll do everything I can to be there and that's what I want to do.'"

Philadelphia is in a much different position than a year ago when Hoskins suffered a torn ACL in his left knee during a spring training game shortly before the start of the regular season. Now, Harper represents the Phillies' present and future at the position.

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