Prior to the Philadelphia Phillies' spring training game against the Detroit Tigers on Friday, the team announced its latest round of roster cuts, with Opening Day less than a week away. The latest moves come after a flurry of roster decisions this week. In a social media post before game time, the Phillies announced five more cuts.
The team optioned infielder/outfielder Weston Wilson to Lehigh Valley Triple-A and reassigned pitcher David Buchanan, catchers Cam Gallagher and Aramis Garcia, and outfielder Jordan Luplow to minor league camp.
Prior to today’s game, the Phillies made the following roster moves:
— Philadelphia Phillies (@Phillies) March 22, 2024
INF/OF Weston Wilson was optioned to Lehigh Valley (AAA).
RHP David Buchanan, C’s Cam Gallagher & Aramis Garcia and OF Jordan Luplow were reassigned to minor league camp.
Jordan Luplow exits major league camp after impressive showing at the plate
When the Atlanta Braves released Jordan Luplow last week, the Phillies were quick to sign the veteran of seven seasons to a minor league contract. While not much is known about potential opt-outs in the deal, Luplow was brought in to compete in the Phillies hotly contested outfield sweepstakes. Friday's news seemingly puts any talk regarding adding Luplow to the Opening Day roster to rest.
In 37 spring training at-bats split between the Braves and Phillies, Luplow hit a scorching .351 with 13 hits, four home runs, and eight RBI. Luplow made his impression felt as soon as he arrived in Phillies camp with a 2-for-2 showing, including a home run during his first game. What happens with the 30-year-old journeyman will be worth following over the next few days, as he might be able to opt out of his recent deal.
The Phillies outfield competition is still ongoing, with incumbent fourth and fifth outfielders Cristian Pache and Jake Cave still looking likely to break camp with the club. While the Phillies debate how to handle Johan Rojas' fate in the last week of spring, it should be noted that former All-Star David Dahl remains in major league camp and is having a solid showing in the field and at the plate.
The Phillies' other roster moves don't come as much surprise
A day after being hit on the left hand with a pitch and leaving yesterday's game versus the Tampa Bay Rays, infielder/outfielder Weston Wilson has been officially optioned to the Triple-A Lehigh Valley IronPigs to begin the season. The 29-year-old put in a decent showing this spring, slashing .241/.378/.414 with a home run in 37 plate appearances. His 35.1 percent strikeout rate was likely one of the reasons he was part of this round of cuts.
Right-hander David Buchanan, who re-signed with the franchise that drafted him after a lengthy stint playing baseball overseas, was also part of Friday's round of roster cuts. The 34-year-old threw eight innings for the Phillies, with a 5.63 ERA and 2.00 WHIP.
In addition to Buchanan, catchers Cam Gallagher and Aramis Garcia were also reassigned to minor league camp. Gallagher hit .176 with a .634 OPS in nine games this spring, while Garcia hit an impressive .393 with a 1.147 OPS in 14 games.