As spring training progresses, the Philadelphia Phillies find themselves with a 5-8 record in Grapefruit League play—a figure that holds little significance but sets the stage for their aspirations of defending the NL East title. After a 95-win regular season in 2023, the Phillies are determined to redeem themselves following a disappointing early playoff exit.
To achieve their goals, the team will depend on a core group of established veterans, supplemented by key role players. Throughout the grueling 162-game season, depth will be essential, requiring meaningful contributions from bench players and minor-league call-ups.
Heading into training camp, there were only a handful of roster spots up for grabs, with the final openings in the bullpen and on the bench being the primary competitions. While some players have stepped up to make their case for an Opening Day roster spot, others have struggled to leave a positive impression. Here’s a look at three Phillies players who are not making the best case for themselves this spring.
Three Phillies Struggling to Secure an Opening Day Roster Spot
Cal Stevenson, Outfielder
The race for the final bench spot has intensified, especially after presumed favorite Weston Wilson suffered an unfortunate oblique injury early in camp. This unexpected turn gave several contenders, including outfielder Cal Stevenson, a chance to earn a roster spot. However, Stevenson has struggled significantly in Grapefruit League play.
The 28-year-old left-handed hitter has managed just one hit—a double—through 21 at-bats, slashing a dismal. 048/.130/.095. His high strikeout rate has been particularly concerning, with 13 punchouts leading the team compared to just two walks. His most recent performance against the Pittsburgh Pirates on March 7 was one to forget, as he went 0-for-3 with three strikeouts, leaving three runners stranded.
Given his struggles at the plate, Stevenson is likely to start the season in Triple-A, as he still has a minor-league option remaining. Having already spent time with five different organizations—Toronto, Houston, Tampa Bay, Oakland, and San Francisco—his future with the Phillies remains uncertain. Regardless of where he ends up, fans will remember his contributions during last season’s playoff push, particularly his standout game in September.
Buddy Kennedy, Infielder
Another contender for a bench role, infielder Buddy Kennedy, had a prime opportunity to separate himself from the competition, especially with Stevenson’s ongoing struggles. Unfortunately, Kennedy has yet to make a strong case for himself.
The 26-year-old has shown some power at the plate, with two of his three hits going for home runs, leading to a respectable.556 slugging percentage. However, his overall offensive performance has been underwhelming, as he’s hitting just.167 in 22 plate appearances. His plate discipline has been a mixed bag—while he’s drawn four walks (a solid 19% walk rate), he has also struck out seven times, accounting for a 33.3% strikeout rate.
Kennedy, a Millville, New Jersey native, had a memorable moment last September when he recorded his first MLB hit in a walk-off win at Citizens Bank Park, with the home crowd chanting his name. Despite his strong local ties and offseason training with Mike Trout, Kennedy may still need to showcase more versatility to secure a roster spot. He has been working to expand his defensive capabilities, hoping to contribute both in the infield and outfield. However, with Kody Clemens currently slashing.333/.364/.667 with two homers in nine games, Kennedy faces tough competition for a bench role.
Tyler Phillips, Right-Handed Pitcher
Right-hander Tyler Phillips entered spring training hoping to prove his value to the Phillies. However, his performance so far has left much to be desired.
The 27-year-old, who made a historic MLB debut last season, finds himself in a difficult situation. With no remaining minor-league options, he must either earn a bullpen spot or clear waivers to remain with the organization. Unfortunately, his spring performance has not bolstered his case.
In three Grapefruit League appearances, including one start, Phillips has posted an 0-3 record with a bloated 10.13 ERA and a troubling 2.06 WHIP over 5 1/3 innings. He has surrendered six earned runs on five hits, including a home run. While he has recorded six strikeouts, his command has been erratic, issuing six walks and hitting one batter.
His spring debut against the Baltimore Orioles on Feb. 23 set an ominous tone. Phillips opened the Phillies’ spring home opener with a walk and a hit-by-pitch, followed by a wild pitch. Although he managed two strikeouts, he allowed a two-run single before escaping the inning. The second frame wasn’t much better, as he gave up a solo home run but managed to get three outs.
Unlike some pitchers who suffer from bad luck, Phillips’ struggles appear to be a result of poor execution. His FIP (Fielding Independent Pitching) sits at 7.82, with an xFIP of 7.05, suggesting that opposing hitters are making solid contact against him, regardless of defensive positioning. Given his performance, Phillips is unlikely to secure a bullpen spot and will have to hope he clears waivers to remain with the Phillies organization at the start of the season.
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