The Philadelphia Phillies have begun the process of trimming their spring training roster as Opening Day approaches.
Cristopher Sanchez needed 43 pitches to record four outs against Nicaragua. | FS2
On Saturday morning, the team made its first moves of the spring, optioning pitcher Jean Cabrera and outfielder Gabriel Rincones Jr. to Triple-A Lehigh Valley, while pitcher Moises Chace and reliever Yoniel Curet were assigned to Double-A Reading.
The Phillies initially carried 65 players on their Grapefruit League roster, and the moves reduce that number to 61 players remaining in camp.
However, the actual number of players currently available in camp is even lower. Several key Phillies players are away representing their countries in the World Baseball Classic, including Bryce Harper, Kyle Schwarber, Aaron Nola, Cristopher Sanchez, Taijuan Walker and others.
Without those players, Philadelphia currently has 50 active players in camp competing for roster spots.
Here’s a closer look at the four players reassigned and where they stand in the organization.
Jean Cabrera could be first pitching call-up
Among the players sent down, Jean Cabrera may be the closest to contributing at the major league level.
The 24-year-old right-hander made two spring appearances, allowing just one run across 4⅓ innings, including a solid outing against the Pirates.
Cabrera is expected to begin the season with Triple-A Lehigh Valley, potentially as their Opening Day starter.
He earned that opportunity after a strong 2025 season at Double-A Reading, where he pitched 137 innings with a 3.81 ERA. His performance was even stronger on the road, posting a 3.29 ERA away from Reading’s hitter-friendly ballpark.
Although he doesn’t overpower hitters — his fastball typically sits in the low 90s — Cabrera has succeeded with a mix of sinker, changeup, and slider since signing with the Phillies for just $10,000 as an international free agent in 2019.
Now that top prospect Andrew Painter has reached the major leagues, Cabrera is viewed as one of the most MLB-ready starting pitchers in the Phillies’ system.
If the Phillies need rotation help early in the season while Zack Wheeler recovers from thoracic outlet surgery, Cabrera could be one of the first pitchers called up along with veteran Bryse Wilson.
Moises Chace enters recovery-focused season
Right-hander Moises Chace faces a different situation.
The 22-year-old pitcher underwent Tommy John surgery last June, ending what had been a promising stretch following his acquisition from the Baltimore Orioles at the 2024 trade deadline in the Gregory Soto trade.
Before the injury, Chace was developing into a potential rotation option.
Now, the focus for 2026 will be on rehabilitation, regaining stamina, and rebuilding his velocity, which had dipped prior to the surgery.
Because of the injury timeline, his major league debut may not come until 2027 or 2028, depending on how his recovery progresses.
Chace remains on the Phillies’ 40-man roster, though he has limited experience above Single-A.
Gabriel Rincones Jr. still dealing with knee issues
Outfielder Gabriel Rincones Jr. has yet to appear in a Grapefruit League game this spring.
The 25-year-old has been dealing with persistent soreness in both knees, an issue dating back to the offseason. Rincones has been battling knee tendinitis and received a PRP injection in December, but the recovery has taken longer than expected.
The setbacks have been frustrating for the power-hitting prospect.
Rincones explained that his recovery initially appeared to be progressing before another setback during training exercises.
Despite the delay, the Phillies remain optimistic he can return to action later this season.
Rincones was considered a potential bench candidate for Opening Day, particularly after his strong 2025 season that included 18 home runs and 80 walks, which tied for the International League lead.
If healthy, he could still contribute later in the year, especially if Brandon Marsh misses time.
Yoniel Curet transitioning to bullpen role
Right-hander Yoniel Curet is the newest member of the Phillies’ pitching system.
Philadelphia acquired the 23-year-old from the Tampa Bay Rays in December, sending reliever Tommy McCollum in return.
During his minor league career with Tampa Bay, Curet started 80 games and reached Triple-A, recording impressive strikeout numbers. From 2023 to 2024, he led all of Minor League Baseball with 303 strikeouts across 223 innings.
However, there are concerns about his command and pitch repertoire, particularly the absence of a reliable third pitch.
Because of this, the Phillies view him primarily as a bullpen arm moving forward.
His early spring performances have been difficult. Curet allowed five runs without recording an out against Detroit and later surrendered three runs on two home runs against Pittsburgh.
Still, his upper-90s fastball and slider give him intriguing potential if he can improve his command.
Phillies roster will continue to shrink
Spring training roster reductions are routine in early March as teams gradually move toward their 26-man Opening Day roster.
For the Phillies, this first round of cuts removes players who were unlikely to break camp with the major league team while allowing them to continue developing in the minors.
With several star players still participating in the World Baseball Classic, more roster decisions are expected in the coming weeks as Philadelphia prepares for the start of the 2026 season.
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