The Philadelphia Phillies have finalized their roster for the Opening Day game, now slated for Friday, March 29, following a delay in the home opener due to adverse weather conditions. However, the team remains in pursuit of adding another left-handed hitting outfielder, as reported by USA Today’s Bob Nightengale.
Who is being considered to address the Phillies’ requirement? Currently, the team has two left-handed hitting outfielders: Brandon Marsh and Kyle Schwarber. Schwarber is anticipated to see reduced playtime in left field this season as he transitions to primarily serving as the designated hitter.
According to statements attributed to Dave Dombrowski, the president of baseball operations, as reported by The Athletic’s Matt Gelb (subscription required), the decision not to include a left-handed hitter on the bench apart from catcher Garrett Stubbs was influenced by managerial input. Dombrowski noted that the preference often relies on scenarios presented to the manager, who then determines the best option based on matchups and player performance.
Among the left-handed hitting outfielders in Triple-A with the Lehigh Valley IronPigs who didn’t secure a spot in the Phillies’ Opening Day roster are David Dahl, Símon Muzziotti, and Cal Stevenson. Additionally, there’s Kody Clemens, an infielder who bats left-handed, as another potential choice.
While options in free agency are limited, two former Phillies, Corey Dickerson and Darin Ruf, remain available. Dickerson played for the Washington Nationals in 2023, while Ruf had stints with the San Francisco Giants and the Milwaukee Brewers last season. Both players’ performances are noted, and there’s a possibility that Philadelphia might opt for a left-handed hitter with minor-league options.
The acquisition of outfielder Cristian Pache at the beginning of the 2023 season was highlighted by Dombrowski, indicating ongoing efforts to improve the team’s roster. He emphasized that while additional acquisitions aren’t necessarily expected, unforeseen opportunities may arise, similar to the Pache acquisition last year.
The Phillies are leaving Florida relatively unscathed after six weeks. A great success. “It’s the same way as when I came in here,” Dave Dombrowski said. “I think we have a good club.”
So, what you see is what you get. Final dispatch from Clearwater: https://t.co/HE4jiAtNgC
— Matt Gelb (@MattGelb) March 25, 2024
Dombrowski may explore trades for a left-handed hitting outfielder with minor-league options if he deems it necessary for the team’s success. Should injuries create further demand, the Phillies are prepared to act, whether through trades, free agency signings, or promoting players from the minor leagues.
