Phillies Bench
- Garrett Stubbs (C)
- Whit Merrifield (OF/INF)
- Edmundo Sosa (INF)
- Cristian Pache (OF)
This is where one of the only real mysteries lies with this Phillies roster in spring training. The late addition of three-time All-Star Whit Merrifield puts him at the top of the pecking order on the bench. He can play all over the diamond but will be used primarily as a right-handed sub in left field and at second base.
Whose spot is Merrifield going to take? It could be Jake Cave, leaving Edmundo Sosa for infield duties and Cristian Pache for outfield duties. But it could just as easily be one of these other two bench warmers. We'll have to wait and see.
Key Phillies starting 2024 in minor leagues
- Jake Cave (OF)
- Darick Hall (INF)
- Rodolfo Castro (INF)
- Weston Wilson (INF)
- Rafael Marchán (C)
- David Dahl (OF)
- Símon Muzziotti (OF)
- Mick Abel (P)
- Dylan Covey (P)
- Kolby Allard (P)
- Nick Nelson (P)
- Michael Rucker (P)
- Yunior Marte (P)
- Luis F. Ortiz (P)
This is quite a hodge-podge of a list. One of the names that will stand out to Phillies fans is Mick Abel. The Phillies No. 2 prospect isn't on the 40-man roster at this time, but if things go sideways for the major league rotation and Abel is performing in Triple-A, we could see him later this season. The rest of the pitchers may appear throughout the season, either as spot starters or temporary bullpen pieces.
Of the position players, Cave figures to be the first man up when the team needs an extra body. Rafael Marchán is the third-string catcher and will likely get called up at some point. Darick Hall, Weston Wilson, and Rodolfo Castro might make brief cameos over the course of the 162-game grind, but don't figure to get a regular role.
The most interesting question marks are outfielders David Dahl and Símon Muzziotti. Neither is currently on the 40-man roster, but with good performances in Triple-A, they could get a crack if injuries befall the Phillies' regulars.