Philadelphia Phillies Set Opening Day Roster
The roster decisions for opening day have been finalized with a 26-man roster taking shape. The team bypassed a spot for Justin Crawford in favor of adding Johan Rojas, ensuring a blend of talent as the season approaches.
Decisive Roster Moves
A key decision involved choosing between Kody Clemens and Buddy Kennedy. Clemens has earned a spot on the roster based on his standout performance during spring training. His impressive numbers include a batting average of .308 with two home runs, one triple, and two doubles over 20 games, along with nine runs scored and seven RBIs. This performance has solidified his position, while Kennedy now faces an uncertain future.
Implications for Buddy Kennedy
Buddy Kennedy, who has struggled to produce offensively with a .162 batting average in 21 games, is now being eyed for a trade. Despite his versatility in the field—having made appearances at first base, second base, third base, and left field with minimal defensive errors—his overall lineup numbers remain below expectations. With limited offensive production, Kennedy’s value is under scrutiny and he may be designated for assignment if a trade does not materialize before the final roster deadline.
Looking Ahead
With opening day looming and roster decisions imminent, the team is poised for adjustments in the coming days. Clemens’ strong spring training sets a positive tone, while the situation with Kennedy underscores the tough choices teams must make when balancing depth with performance. The organization continues to refine its roster in preparation for the challenges of the upcoming season.
