Phillies Claim Reliever Hernandez as Suárez Heads to IL

The Phillies roster is just about complete.  We have learned the fate of some more Phillies players on Sunday.  Injuries, acquisitions, and more emerged.  Here is a rundown of Sunday's moves.

Ranger Suárez to the Injured List
The Phillies will play Ranger Suárez on the 15-day Injured List to start the season.  Suárez has been dealing with a stiff back, we learned this past week, which caused him to miss his final Grapefruit League start.  He will miss his first few starts, minimum as he heads to the Injured List.

Phillies Claim Carlos Hernandez from Kansas City Royals
The open roster spot will go to pitcher Carlos Hernandez, claimed by the Phillies on Sunday.  The right-hander will join the Phillies bullpen.  Hernandez had a decent 2024, pitching to a 3.30 ERA in 27 relief outings and 30 innings pitched.  Lifetime he is 7-19 with a 4.95 ERA.

Taijuan Walker Will Opens the Season in the Starting Rotation
The void in the starting rotation will go to Taijuan Walker.  Walker went 1-1 with a 6.92 ERA in four Grapefruit League starts.  Walker looked really good in two of his starts and struggled in the other two.  He is stretched out to pitch as a starter, so he will get the first shot.

Tyler Phillips Has Been Designated for Assignment
Room for Hernandez on the 40-man roster was created as the Philleis designated for assignment the contract of right-handed pitcher Tyler Phillips.  The Phillies kept Phillips in camp as insurance for Suárez, but ultimately claimed Hernandez for that spot.  The Phillies could outright Phillips to Triple-A if he is unclaimed by another team.

Johan Rojas Officially Makes the Opening Day Roster
Only this past week did Johan Rojas take the field after an offseason shoulder injury limited his play to designated hitter duty.  Rojas will make the Phillies outfield as the fourth outfielder, reports Todd Zolecki.  Brandon Marsh has been named the every day centerfielder.  Rojas will change his jersey number to 23 before the season opens, last worn by Jeff Hoffman in 2024.