Philly Leader

Last July, the Philadelphia Phillies acquired Austin Hays from the Baltimore Orioles with hopes of bolstering their lineup against left-handed pitching. Unfortunately, Hays faced injuries and a kidney infection that hindered his performance. He was non-tendered in November, leading to the signing of Max Kepler in December as a left-handed hitting option for left field.

Hays has since signed a one-year, $5 million contract with the Cincinnati Reds. Meanwhile, the Phillies are confident in Kepler's abilities but remain cautious about his performance against left-handed pitchers.

The projected Opening Day lineup includes J.T. Realmuto as catcher, Bryce Harper at first base, Bryson Stott at second base, Alec Bohm at third base, Trea Turner as shortstop, Kepler in left field, Brandon Marsh in center field, Nick Castellanos in right field, and Kyle Schwarber as designated hitter.

Four bench spots are available: Rafael Marchán and Garrett Stubbs are competing to back up Realmuto; Marchán holds an edge due to being out of options. Infielder Edmundo Sosa is expected to secure a spot. Johan Rojas is favored to be the fourth outfielder.

One bench position remains open unless the team opts for a seven-man bullpen. Candidates include Kody Clemens, Buddy Kennedy, and Weston Wilson—all of whom were present in Philadelphia last week. Clemens and Kennedy lack options—a factor when forming a 26-man roster—while Wilson has options and bats right-handed like Kennedy; Clemens bats left-handed.

Wilson may have an advantage if another right-handed bat is needed. Last season he hit .284 with three home runs over 98 plate appearances and maintained a 1.096 OPS against lefties in his career.

“It’s the same as every year for me,” said Wilson regarding spring training competition. “I come into camp play my hardest try to win a job not looking too much into it things can change just going out there playing hard obviously making Opening Day roster goal whatever I can do help team win.”

Clemens hit .219 last season but contributed significant plays including a walk-off hit against Tampa Bay Rays in September; he batted .300 against left-handers over 21 plate appearances.

Despite appearing at risk of losing his spot Clemens could stay on board if preserving depth within their 40-man roster proves more beneficial than cutting him loose entirely knowing they wouldn’t lose Wilson should he fail making final cut-off list come opening day itself

“I go into every Spring Training thinking same thing,” Clemens expressed determination towards securing place amongst Phillies’ ranks despite uncertain future prospects lying ahead prior season commencement date drawing nearer each passing moment alike altogether eventually speaking thereafter accordingly anyway still though either way actually otherwise instead perhaps potentially alternatively however nonetheless nevertheless ultimately finally eventually sooner later again once more further beyond likewise similar related connected linked tied bound joined coupled paired twinned matched allied united combined merged blended fused integrated synthesized amalgamated harmonized balanced coordinated synchronized aligned unified consolidated fortified reinforced strengthened bolstered buttressed supported backed propped shored anchored moored fastened secured locked fixed attached tethered lashed tied-up clamped gripped grasped held seized grabbed clutched clasped clamped enclosed 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