It's almost that time when teams around the league get down to the requisite 26-man roster before Opening Day, and the Philadelphia Phillies got a whole lot closer after their recent cuts.
For the position players, there wasn't a whole lot of debate about who would, and who wouldn't, be making the team.
Outside of a couple bench roles up for grabs, the Phillies' lineup that consists of multiple stars was set.
Their bullpen was really the unit that had some competition surrounding it after Dave Dombrowski repeatedly stated their starting rotation was finalized.
Some concern popped up regarding rising star Orion Kerkering's availability for Opening Day since he was diagnosed with the flu and has been limited throughout the spring.
There was thought he might not break camp on the roster.
However, if that's the case, that will have to come at a later date following the latest cuts made by Philadelphia on March 19.
According to Scott Lauber of The Philadelphia Inquirer, pitchers Kolby Allard and Max Castillo, infielder Rodolfo Castro, and first baseman Darick Hall were optioned to Triple-A.
They also assigned pitchers Austin Brice and Ricardo Pinto to their minor league camp, along with catcher Cody Roberts.
There are some big names here.
Allard was seen as a potential sixth starter this season, or someone who could be used as a long reliever, after the Phillies claimed him off waivers. Hall has been a perennial minor leaguer who has gotten sparing opportunities in the bigs the past two years. Rodolfo was a trade deadline addition in 2023.
It's not surprising to see Brice, Pinto, and Roberts sent to minor league camp after the two veteran pitchers signed minor league deals and Roberts only played in Double-A last season.
Overall, these cuts aren't roster-altering moves, but it does show that Philadelphia is getting closer to their final group and might have an eye on who will be at Citizens Bank Park for the opener.
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