The Philadelphia Phillies bench carousel should come to an end with some roster decisions being made. Johan Rojas would have been in line to take over a bench spot upon returning from his 80-game PED suspension before suffering a UCL injury that will end his season. Though Rojas has one minor league option year remaining it is fair to wonder if he has played his last game in a Phillies uniform. Given the lack of offensive production from Rojas and the suspension combined with Justin Crawford becoming the everyday center fielder the Phillies should non-tender Rojas this offseason. It is the best move for both sides and Rojas could use a change of scenery.
Adolis García left the Phillies game against the Toronto Blue Jays on June 10 with a right shoulder injury and could land on the 10-day injured list. If García lands on the injured list Otto Kemp or Felix Reyes would be likely to get the call. Another option is Gabriel Rincones Jr. who recently returned from injury to the Triple-A roster. Rincones turned heads during spring training in 2025 and is already in his age-25 season. Christian Cairo is the lone additional minor league position player already on the Phillies 40-man roster. The Phillies bench carousel could change if García goes on the injured list and the replacement player plays well.
Phillies Bench Carousel
Team Needs To Carry Two Catchers Going Forward
One thing that needs to change is the Phillies carrying three catchers. Rafael Marchán has an abysmal .103/.141/.191 line with two home runs and six RBI in 23 games this season. Marchán has a -14 wRC+ and a .094 BABIP this year. While neither Marchán nor Garrett Stubbs plays that often one needs to be designated for assignment. Stubbs has a .200/.292/.200 line with no home runs and one RBI in 11 major league games this season. Furthermore Stubbs has a 46 wRC+ and a .235 BABIP in the majors. Both players are out of minor league options. Marchán should be designated for assignment with Stubbs becoming the backup catcher.
Who To Add To The Roster Right Now
The potential of García needing an injured list stint make it unlikely Stubbs or Marchán is designated for assignment soon. The Phillies creating versatility with Stubbs during spring training has come into play a few times. Steward Berroa is currently in the fourth outfielder role so a replacement for Stubbs or Marchán would likely be a utility player. A 40-man roster spot would become available in this situation opening the door for someone like Keaton Anthony to grab the spot. Anthony has a .344/.434/.574 line with three home runs and 13 RBI in 18 Triple-A games this year. To add Anthony has a 160 wRC+ and a .360 BABIP this season.
Potential Trade Deadline Plans In Relation To Phillies Bench Carousel
The Phillies are probably going to add an outfielder at the trade deadline. They could also move Bryce Harper back to the outfield and get creative. This critical choice will have no impact on the Phillies bench carousel. Ultimately at least one bench spot is likely to be adjusted after the trade deadline. Between the García injury and three catchers being on the 26-man roster the needed moves might end up getting delayed. The team needs to have a right-handed bat on the bench besides Edmundo Sosa. This is one thing the Phillies have lacked for a few years. Berroa and Marchán are switch-hitters while Stubbs is a left-handed hitter.
Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-Imagn Images
