The Phillies made some roster changes ahead of Monday night’s game against the Colorado Rockies.
Just 2 1/2 weeks after starting at third base on Opening Day, rookie Bryson Stott was sent to Triple A Lehigh Valley.
In a corresponding move, the team added veteran outfielder Roman Quinn to the big league roster. He had played at Triple A under a minor league contract.
The decision to send Stott to Triple A was finalized when Didi Gregorius was cleared to act ahead of Monday night’s game. Gregorius hadn’t played since being hit in the left hand by a pitch Tuesday in Colorado.
With Gregorius cleared to play, Phillies officials felt they had enough depth on the court to send Stott to the minors for some much-needed playing time.
Stott had only had one hit at bat in the past week and was in the grip of an 0-for-18 slip.
The Phillies still view Stott as their shortstop of the future. At 24, he needs developing reps and he won’t bench them.
“There’s a balance between development and major league wins,” general manager Sam Fuld said. “We felt at this point it was the right time to bring him to Lehigh Valley so he could get reps and continue his development.”
Stott was a star in spring training. When Alec Bohm struggled in camp, the Phillies took a look at Stott at third base and he grabbed the job.
However, over the past week, Bohm has grown strong at the big league level and regained the third base position. Johan Camargo also played well at third and shortstop, replacing Gregorius. This all coincided with Stott’s struggles at home plate.
“Didi, Camargo and Bohm created that by playing well,” Fuld said.
Stott had just 4 hits in 30 at bats and struck out 10 while walking just once.
“We think he will benefit from it in the long run,” Fuld said. “He has earned his place in the team. Nobody wants to be sent off, but he understands that. We told him to stay ready because he could be called up at any time.”
Quinn is a former Phillies second-round pick (2011) who spent five seasons with the club in the majors. Throughout his career, the 28-year-old hitter has battled an array of injuries. An Achilles tear ended his season last May and he became a free agent in the fall. He signed a minor league contract with the Miami Marlins over the winter, but didn’t kick that club out of spring training. He signed a minor league contract with the Phillies shortly thereafter.
Fuld said Quinn would be useful late in the game as a hitter, runner or defensive backup at any outfield position. He could eventually push Odubel Herrera and Matt Vierling for regular work in center field.
The Phillies continue to carry 28 players, but that number is to be reduced to 26 within a week. Girardi said the Phils would go with 13 position players and 13 pitchers after that. They currently have 15 pitchers and 13 position players.
To make room for Quinn on the 40-man roster, the Phillies moved reliever Ryan Sherriff to the 60-day injured list.
Although healthy, Gregorius did not start at shortstop against the Rockies on Monday night. Camargo started at shortstop and Bohm, hitting .355 with nine RBIs, was back at third.
Subscribe to Phillies Talk: Apple Podcasts | Google Play | Spotify | Embroiderer | Art19 | Watch on YouTube
