Kingery Fails to Make Roster as Phillies Make Moves

The Phillies have heavily invested in Scott Kingery.  The second baseman-turned super utility player signed a six-year, $24 million contract that will end at the conclusion of the 2023 season.  Beyond money, Phillies hitting coach Kevin Long infested time with Kingery this offseason in Arizona, working on the former prospect's bat.

Yet, those investments do not mean a roster spot.

The Phillies announced several decisions Monday morning, three days from Opening Day.  Among the cuts: Kingery.

Non-Roster Players Re-Assigned:

• Catcher John Hicks
• Catcher Aramis Garcia
• Infielder/outfielder Jim Haley
• Outfielder Weston Wilson
• Infielder/outfielder Kingery

Players Optioned to Triple-A:

• Left-handed starter Michael Plassmeyer
• Right-handed reliever Luis Ortiz
• Right-handed reliever Erich Uelmen
• Infielder Kody Clemens

There could be an acquisition from outside the organization still.  But for now, these moves suggest the following:

• Dalton Guthrie will be on the Phillies roster as the right-handed sub that Kingery might have been
• Jake Cave has made the Phillies roster
• Right-handed reliever Yunior Marte will be in the Phillies bullpen after an impressive Spring
• Left-handed reliever Andrew Vasquez, twice acquired by the Phillies, will join the bullpen

These moves have kept the 40-man roster intact.  Kingery's roster status may have inhibited the Phillies from carrying Kingery.  Cave and Guthrie may have been helped by their place on the 40-man roster.

The Phillies will have to lose no one from their 40-man roster. It was thought that Bryce Harper's injury would create a space. The Phillies have declined to commit to a 60-day injured list spot for Harper.

The Phillies will be able to place Rhys Hoskins on the 40-man roster, which suggests the Phillies might add someone from the outside. 

There is no set date for a final 26-man roster, though it must be set by Opening Day, which is Thursday.