Philadelphia Phillies: 3 players who could be off the roster by September 1

2. Phillies will demote Nick Nelson for a fresher arm at some point

Nick Nelson has been okay for the Phillies this year. He is one of the weaker members of this year’s bullpen still with the team. Working in his favor is the ability to go multiple innings. Perhaps this ability can keep him on the Phillies roster.

The Phillies would, however, have other options they could try out in a multi-inning role. Someone like Cristopher Sanchez could be worth a look. While Bailey Falter seems to have fallen exclusively into the role of sixth starter for this club, Sanchez remains an option for the bullpen. And because he does throw left-handed, there is a little bit of intrigue.

Nelson is the kind of pitcher we shouldn’t see get too many innings outside of those mop-up frames. He’s also a candidate to be an opener for them when there is a doubleheader scheduled. Although, with the extra roster spot every team gets on those day, it would probably have the Phillies turning to Falter instead.

Nelson will need to pitch well enough to stick around for the rest of the month. A little too wild for the liking of some, he’s a replaceable innings eater who might just manage to make it through this entire year without ever getting sent to the minor leagues.