The Philadelphia Phillies’ Opening Day has been postponed by 24 hours due to rain, but they have released their initial regular-season roster. The team has also placed five players on the injured list.
The 26-man roster includes 13 pitchers, 2 catchers, 5 infielders, 4 outfielders, 1 utility player, and 1 designated hitter. The pitchers are Jose Alvarado, Cristopher Sanchez, Gregory Soto, Matt Strahm, Ranger Suarez, Connor Brogdon, Seranthony Dominguez, Jeff Hoffman, Yunior Marte, Aaron Nola, Luis Ortiz, Spencer Turnbull, and Zack Wheeler.
The catchers are J.T. Realmuto and Garrett Stubbs, while the infielders include Alec Bohm, Bryce Harper, Edmundo Sosa, Bryson Stott, and Trea Turner. The outfielders are Nick Castellanos, Brandon Marsh, Cristian Pache, and Johan Rojas. Whit Merrifield is listed as a utility player, and Kyle Schwarber is the designated hitter.
Five players have been placed on the injured list, including right-handed pitchers Taijuan Walker, Orion Kerkering, Dylan Covey, and Michael Rucker, as well as catcher Rafael Marchan. All five IL stints are retroactive to March 25.
Turnbull will replace the injured Walker in the starting rotation and will pitch on Tuesday against the Reds in the fifth game of the season. The Phillies will start Wheeler, Nola, Suarez, Sanchez, and Turnbull in that order. Kerkering will begin in Triple-A and work his way back up to the majors after rehabbing and rebuilding arm strength.
The Phillies will open their season on Friday against the Braves, with Wheeler facing off against Braves ace Spencer Strider at 3:05 p.m. on NBC10.