Sun Mar 23 13:10:00 UTC 2025: ## Phillies’ Opening Day Roster Nearly Set, Suárez’s Status Uncertain

**TAMPA, FL** – The Philadelphia Phillies are nearing finalization of their Opening Day roster, with several roster moves solidifying key positions. Following a series of optionings and reassignments this week, only 29 players remain in major league camp.

Among the notable moves, catcher Rafael Marchán secured the backup catcher role after Garrett Stubbs was optioned to Triple-A. Outfielder Cal Stevenson and pitcher Kyle Tyler also received Triple-A assignments, while infielder Christian Arroyo, catcher Josh Breaux, pitcher Nabil Crismatt, and outfielder Óscar Mercado were reassigned to minor league camp.

The biggest question mark remains starting pitcher José Suárez, who has been sidelined with a sore lower back since last Saturday. While manager Rob Thomson stated that Suárez could theoretically still make his scheduled April 3rd start, the team will make a decision within the next 48 hours. If Suárez is unavailable, Taijuan Walker will fill the rotation spot, and either Mercado or reliever Andrew Phillips would claim the final bullpen spot. Phillips, being out of options, holds a slight edge.

Another key bullpen spot hinges on the return of José Alvarado. Alvarado, recovering from shoulder inflammation and a bone bruise, threw a scoreless inning on Saturday, striking out three. His performance on Sunday and Monday will determine his readiness for the Opening Day roster.

The Phillies also announced that utility player Johan Rojas will be the fourth outfielder, while highly-touted prospect Justin Crawford will begin the season in Triple-A. This decision reflects the team’s confidence in Marsh and Rojas, while keeping the door open for a quick Crawford promotion should he excel in Triple-A.

Three bench spots are set: Marchán, Edmundo Sosa, and Rojas. The final spot will go to either utility player Kody Clemens or Josh Harrison, both of whom are out of options. Clemens boasts a strong spring training performance (.314 batting average), while Harrison’s numbers are less impressive (.162).

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