The Phillies made their first moves of the new baseball season today, which included releasing Lower Cape May alum Matt Szczur and former Nationals closer Drew Storen.

Szczur, a 2007 Lower Cape May graduate, signed a minor-league deal with the Phillies before spring training, appearing in just one game with one at-bat.

The 30-year old outfielder faced long odds to make the Phillies opening day roster, with a crowded outfield, but could have provided depth at the AAA level.  However, due to COVID-19 the minor league situation in baseball has essentially been wiped out for the 2020 season, costing Szczur a spot in the organization.

Storen was one of the many veteran arms competing for a bullpen spot.  From the right side, the Phillies have Bud Norris, Anthony Swarczak and Blake Parker in camp competing for a spot on the Phillies roster.  The 40-man roster also has the likes of Reggie McClain and Deolis Guerra, who could be right-handed options.

The Phillies look to set their 60-man pool of players to move forward with. Teams are allowed their 40-man roster plus up to 20 other players to be in their "pool".  From that pool teams will field an active roster and have alternative players handy in case of injury.

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