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Phillies Creating Versatility

Originally posted on Last Word On Sports | By Ben Rosen | Last updated Mar 6, 2026 5:56 PM ET

The Philadelphia Phillies are creating versatility defensively by having Garrett Stubbs work out at first base, third base and left field. Phillies manager Rob Thomson told reporters this information following a March 6 spring training game. Stubbs has major league regular season experience in left field and right field but none at first base or third base. However, Stubbs has not made a major league start in the outfield. Stubbs does have a minor league appearance at first base that came in 2018 with some appearances at second base. Thomson opened the door as part of his comments to carrying Stubbs as the 13th position player. This would be to start the season at least.

Stubbs and Rafael Marchán are battling for the backup catcher spot. Marchán is expected to win the job after serving as the backup to J.T. Realmuto in 2025. Last season Stubbs made five major league appearances after being called up as part of September roster expansion. The Phillies do not have any catchers besides Realmuto, Stubbs and Marchán on their 40-man roster. There is an incentive for the Phillies to carry three catchers. It is the fact Stubbs and Marchán are both out of minor league options. Meanwhile the other competitors to be the 13th position player that are currently on the 40-man roster can all be optioned to the minor leagues.

Phillies Creating Versatility

Open Bench Role And Roster Considerations

Dylan Moore has extensive defensive versatility and is currently the favorite to win the open bench job. Moore is currently not on the 40-man roster. Additionally Justin Crawford will need to be added as well. There is one spot currently open that might become two because of a situation with Johan Rojas. Bryan De La Cruz, like Moore, is a candidate for the job but is not on the Phillies 40-man roster. Stubbs getting game experience at first base, third base and in the outfield when he returns from the World Baseball Classic is essential. If Stubbs shows he can play these positions well enough it is not out of the question he makes the team out of spring training.

Looming Suspension That Would Hurt Outfield Depth

Rojas is currently appealing a possible PED suspension according to Matt Gelb and Charlotte Varnes of The Athletic. This will leave the Phillies in need of outfield depth. Stubbs is one of multiple internal options the Phillies could turn to. While Stubbs has no center field experience his corner outfield experience is helpful. Furthermore if Stubbs becomes equipped enough to play corner infield spots in a game that could allow for Edmundo Sosa to get outfield reps. Sosa played some outfield early on last season. Regardless of that the Phillies will need to add an outfielder with minor league options that can play center field. Even if Rojas wins his appeal they lack depth. Stubbs getting work in the outfield can help with this.

This article first appeared on Last Word On Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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