Key Stars Set Sail in Phillies' Legends Finale!
The Philadelphia Phillies have made a surprising preseason decision on a long-time infielder as he fights to make the team.
HOUSTON, TEXAS - OCTOBER 27: Garrett Stubbs #21 of the Philadelphia Phillies during a workout day ahead of Game One of the World Series between the Houston Astros and Philadelphia Phillies at Minute Maid Park on October 27, 2022 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images) Getty Images The Philadelphia Phillies have deflected accusations that the front office is running back virtually the same roster that disappointed in the playoffs last year. As the team brought back long-time veterans Kyle Schwarber and JT Realmuto this winter, manager Rob Thomson was quick to point out the many ways in which his team will look different next season.
“We got three new relievers, a new right fielder (in Adolis Garcia), (Justin) Crawford’s gonna have every chance to play, a rookie starting pitcher (in Andrew Painter), Otto Kemp who wasn’t here at the start of last year,” Thomson pointed out earlier this year, according to Crossing Broad’s Kevin Kinkead . “That’s 20 to 25% of the roster. If you think that’s running it back, or whatever the saying is, I don’t know what to tell you.
” MORE FROM FORBES Yankees Legend Reversed Retirement Decision After Blue Jays Heartbreak By Peter Chawaga Philadelphia Phillies Make Surprising Garrett Stubbs Move And in addition to some new faces for the big-league roster, the Phillies are looking at ways to utilize the familiar ones in new ways. That could mean some changes in the batting order in a search to find superstar slugger Bryce Harper better protection. And it could also mean some new positions for long-time backup catcher Garrett Stubbs.
“He last played one inning of left field in July 2023 as a defensive substitution, after Bryce Harper — who was not yet able to play in the field in his return from Tommy John surgery — was used as a pinch hitter,” Lochlahn March noted for The Philadelphia Inquirer . “This spring, though, the Phillies are trying to get Stubbs more work in the infield and outfield in an effort to make him more versatile. ” MORE FROM FORBES Phillies Legend Rejects Philadelphia Job Offer To Join Dodgers By Peter Chawaga Philadelphia Phillies Manager Rob Thomson Sends Garrett Stubbs Message As Roster Cut Looms In a seven-year big-league career with the Phillies and Houston Astros, Stubbs has played as a catcher in 168 total games and in the outfield in just 14 total games.