The Phillies Opening Day roster is finally starting to take shape

Spring Training is a really fun time for baseball fans, that pretty much goes without saying. The vibe is always a tad more relaxed, tons of prospects are given at-bats and outings on the mound, and a plethora of veterans are normally brought in on “tryout” deals. Unfortunately though, all good things must come to an end, and the Phillies themselves have finally reached that period where tough roster decisions are having to be made.

Following the unsurprising departure of veterans Jeff Mathis, Ivan Nova, and Hector Rondon, the Phillies made their first *real* batch of cuts on Friday afternoon. Left-handed reliever Tony Watson was granted his release after failing to crack the major league roster, and top-rated pitching prospect Spencer Howard was optioned down to minor league camp:

The decision to axe Watson immediately jumps off the page, as many viewed him as one of the Phillies’ more significant bullpen upgrades this offseason. While he was initially brought in as a non-roster invitee, he had a guarantee for $3 million should he crack the major league roster. This agreement combined with his previous track record as a solid lefty bullpen arm had most people penciling him in as a “lock” for the team’s ‘pen this year.

More from Section 215

• 4 Eagles on the Bubble Who Have Clinched Their 53-Man Roster Spots
• Best Pennsylvania Sportsbook Promos: Win $650 GUARANTEED Bonus PLUS $100 off NFL Sunday Ticket
• 3 Punters the Eagles Must Target to Replace Arryn Siposs
• Cowboys Trey Lance Trade Proves How Screwed They Are With Dak Prescott
• Devon Allen Took Britain Covey’s Job on Eagles

However, the Phillies obviously felt differently, opting to role the dice with Jose Alvarado and JoJo Romero as their two main left-handed relievers this year.

Brandon Kintzler making the main roster is no surprise, as he was one of the better closers in the National League last season, but Spencer Howard being optioned down to minor league camp was a tad particular. While the young righty has been battling some injury issues this spring, a lot of people viewed him as someone who could thrive in a “long-reliever” type role this season.

The Phillies appear to be more worried about his health and longterm stamina, as opposed to any immediate impact that he could provide in 2021. He could ultimately make his way back up to the majors at some point this year, should he progress appropriately down in AAA.

Matt Joyce making the roster is fantastic news, as he provides Joe Girardi with a proven pinch-hitter late in ballgames. The outfield is a little less crowded following the optioning of Mickey Moniak down to the minor leagues earlier this week, but one of Roman Quinn, Odubel Herrera, or Scott Kingery likely still needs to be cut moving forward.

The Phillies roster plans are starting to become clear.

The optioning of Howard down to Lehigh combined with the outright release of Watson could open the door for someone like Vince Velasquez on the main roster – a player who most viewed as on-the-outside-looking-in this spring. While his versatility as a spot starter would definitely be useful over the course of a full 162 game season, his previous track record tells the tale of someone who doesn’t deserve a major league roster spot anymore.

Relievers Ramon Rosso, Michael Ynoa, and Bryan Mitchell were also sent down to minor league camp earlier in the week, creating even less competition in the bullpen as Opening Day nears. Rosso and Ynoa are non-starters for me, but Mitchell is an arm who still intrigues me a bit moving forward. He flashed some stuff down in Clearwater this spring.