Although the season opener will have to wait another 24 hours due to rain, the Phillies announced their initial regular season roster on Thursday afternoon, adding five players to the injured list.
Here is their group of 26 people.
Pitcher (13): Jose Alvarado, Christopher Sanchez, Gregory Soto, Matt Stram, Ranger Suarez, Connor Brogdon, Seranthony Dominguez, Jeff Hoffman, Yunior Marte, Aaron Nola, Luis Ortiz, Spencer Turnbull, zach wheeler
Catcher (2): JT Realmuto and Garrett Stubbs
Infielder (5): Alec Bohm, Bryce Harper, Edmundo Sosa, Bryson Stott, Torii Turner
Outfielder (4): Nick Castellanos, Brandon Marsh, Christian Pache, Johan Rojas
Utilities (1): Whit Merrifield
Designated Hitter (1): Kyle Schwarber
Right-handed pitchers Taijuan Walker (right shoulder strain), Orion Kirkeling (right forearm strain), Dylan Covey (right shoulder strain), and Michael Rucker (right hand) were placed on the 15-day IL.
Catcher Rafael Marchand (lower back strain) was placed on the IL for 10 days.
All five IL stints can be traced back to March 25th, the furthest date possible.
Walker's injury late in camp opened the door for Turnbull to move into the opening rotation. Turnbull will start against the Reds on Tuesday, his fifth game of the year. The Phillies will play Wheeler, Nola, Suarez, Sanchez, and Turnbull in that order.
Kerkeling was able to sit in the bullpen, but missed most of March with an illness. He will start in Triple-A and return to the majors once he rehabilitates and rebuilds his arm strength and stamina.
The Phillies' season opener is Friday against the Braves on NBC10 at 3:05 p.m. Wheeler will face Braves ace Spencer Strider.
