Thomson discusses Marsh, position battles after first spring workout
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CLEARWATER, Fla. -- There will be plenty of opportunities this spring to ask Rob Thomson about the Phillies’ lineup, which is a passionate topic for many fans.
Wednesday was about pitchers and catchers.
The Phillies held their first official workout at Carpenter Complex. Every pitcher and catcher on the 40-man roster, plus every non-roster invitee, arrived on time and healthy, including recently acquired right-handers Spencer Turnbull, who is on a Major League contract, and David Buchanan, who is in camp as a non-roster invitee.
To make room for Turnbull on the 40-man roster, RHP McKinley Moore was designated for assignment.
Thomson touched on several topics after Wednesday’s workout.
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Brandon Marsh
Marsh had arthroscopic debridement surgery on his left knee on Friday. He is expected to return to action in three to four weeks.
The Phillies said they are confident that Marsh will be in the Opening Day lineup.
“He’s doing very well,” Thomson said. “We’re still on the same timeline.”
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The starting rotation
Thomson said he is more comfortable with the rotation’s depth behind Zack Wheeler, Aaron Nola, Ranger Suárez, Taijuan Walker and Cristopher Sánchez, following recent acquisitions.
That includes Turnbull, Buchanan, Kolby Allard and Max Castillo, plus returnees Nick Nelson and others. The Phillies hope prospects Mick Abel and Griff McGarry take steps forward this season.
Sources have said the Phillies have interest in free-agent left-hander Jordan Montgomery, but only on a 1-2 year deal.
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Camp competition
There are two jobs open in the bullpen. Connor Brogdon and Dylan Covey are out of options, which is always a consideration when finalizing the Opening Day roster.
The Phillies would like to have at least one more reliever with options. Right now, the only other optionable reliver is Orion Kerkering, who is a heavy favorite to make the team.
For the moment, Cristian Pache and Jake Cave are the fourth and fifth outfielders, but the feeling is the Phillies could acquire an outfielder at some point. Sources have echoed what President Dave Dombrowski said last week: free-agent outfielders aren’t interested in the Phillies right now because they want guaranteed playing time, and the Phillies cannot make those guarantees because they are committed to Johan Rojas in center field.
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Somebody like Whit Merrifield would make sense, but perhaps only on a one-year deal.
“We’ll see what happens coming down the pike here, if we sign an outfielder or whatever, there might be one job in the outfield,” Thomson said. “But there’s not much. And that’s a good problem to have. …
"There are so many free agents out there, and pretty good ones, too. And I’m not talking about the big names. I’m talking about relievers, there’s a couple starters out there who are really good.”
Bohm has arbitration hearing Thursday
Thomson did not discuss it, but third baseman Alec Bohm will have his salary arbitration hearing on Thursday in Arizona. He filed for $4 million for the 2024 season. The Phillies offered $3.4 million.