Kody Clemens and Scott Kingery easily could have earned spots on the Philadelphia Phillies’ 26-man roster.
The margin is that small.
Instead, the Phillies opted to go with Dalton Guthrie and Jake Cave. It’s something these players don’t take for granted.
“No drama, no hiding cameras that I know of, but it was still a huge thrill to actually hear the words from (manager Rob Thomson) and know that I had made the team,’’ Guthrie told reporters. “I feel like I did what I needed to do. Now I can’t wait for the season to start.’’
Guthrie only had 45 plate appearances late last season with the Phillies. At Triple-A, he hit .302 with 10 home runs and 52 RBI in 92 games.
The 30-year-old Cave was claimed off waivers from the Baltimore Orioles in December and he clearly proved his mettle in spring training. In Grapefruit League play, Cave hit .440 with three home runs, 14 RBI and a 1.301 OPS. Those are eye-popping numbers, even for spring training.
Cave looks healthy and the Phillies could reap the rewards with what seemed like a minor transaction at the time.
“Cave gives you the left-handed bat and a corner outfielder,” Thomson said. “Guthrie gives you the right-handed bat that can play anywhere, really. There were a lot of guys who were, in their minds, on the fence. In our minds, maybe not. But in their minds, yes. They are so relieved and happy for sure.’’
While this is how the season will start, it doesn’t mean Clemens and Kingery won’t be called up. Either player is one injury away from appearing at Citizens Bank Park.
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