Phillies Must Decide Futures of Three Players Out of Options

The Philadelphia Phillies have three players who are out of minor league options heading into the season. They must either make the 26-man roster out of MLB Spring Training or risk being lost to waivers.

Per the new CBA, players may be optioned to the minor leagues for parts of three different seasons, but never more than five times per season.

The Phillies must decide the futures of utilityman Edmundo Sosa, starting pitcher Ranger Suárez, and left-hander Andrew Vasquez.

The first two are no-brainers and a sure lock to make the Opening Day roster (if healthy). Even if they suffer injury, or aren't quite ready to go as in Suárez's case, they will be welcomed back into the fold.

The real decision will come on Vasquez who was claimed on waivers twice by the Phillies and then kept on the 40-man this winter. He intrigues the team with his offspeed pitches, but it remains to be seen whether or not Philadelphia will keep him.

He has allowed four runs in 5.1 innings of work this spring, but left on waivers he could be snatched up. The left-hander may be the one Philadelphia risks losing on waivers as their bullpen begins to take shape.