With just two weeks remaining in spring training, the Philadelphia Phillies still have one of their most competitive roster battles unresolved.
The team entered camp with two open bullpen spots and a deep group of 12 relievers competing for those roles. Throughout Grapefruit League play, the candidates have been used frequently as the coaching staff evaluates who will round out the pitching staff.
The group includes four left-handers — Kyle Backhus, Genesis Cabrera, Tim Mayza and Andrew Walling — along with eight right-handers: Zach Pop, Zach McCambley, Max Lazar, Seth Johnson, Nolan Hoffman, Chase Shugart, Lou Trivino and Trevor Richards.
If the rest of the bullpen remains healthy — Jhoan Duran, Brad Keller, Orion Kerkering, José Alvarado, Tanner Banks and Jonathan Bowlan — only two of those pitchers will make the Opening Day roster.
With competition intensifying as camp winds down, several key factors could determine who wins the final jobs.
Kyle Backhus emerging as a strong candidate
Among the group, Kyle Backhus appears to have the clearest path to making the team.
The left-hander has been one of the most effective pitchers in camp, delivering four scoreless appearances during Grapefruit League play. His most recent outing came against the Twins, where he recorded a groundout, a walk, and two strikeouts in a clean inning of work.
Backhus offers a distinctive look on the mound with a low sidearm delivery, making him particularly difficult for hitters to pick up.
He also provides strategic value for Philadelphia. If he makes the roster, he would give the Phillies a third left-handed option in the bullpen, and because he still has minor league options, the team could move him between the majors and Triple-A when roster flexibility is needed.
However, Backhus’ development against right-handed hitters remains a focus.
Last season he dominated lefties, holding them to a .139 batting average, but right-handed batters hit .365 against him.
Catcher J.T. Realmuto noted that Backhus has been working to address that issue this spring.
Realmuto explained that the pitcher has focused on using his fastball more aggressively against right-handers and developing a changeup to keep them off balance.
Phillies weighing priorities for final spot
If Backhus claims one of the two available spots, the competition for the final bullpen job becomes even more complicated.
Manager Rob Thomson has indicated the team may not prioritize a traditional long reliever early in the season, especially in April.
Roster flexibility could also play a major role in the decision-making process.
Because several pitchers competing for the job still have minor league options, the Phillies may prefer someone they can shuttle between levels when needed.
Zach Pop facing roster pressure
One pitcher who presents a unique situation is Zach Pop.
Pop is the only reliever in the competition who is already on the Phillies’ 40-man roster and out of minor league options. That means the team cannot simply send him to Triple-A without first exposing him to waivers.
Because of that restriction, Pop could have a slightly stronger case for the roster — unless the Phillies are willing to risk losing him.
Veteran relievers like Lou Trivino and Tim Mayza could also complicate the decision. Minor-league deals for experienced players often include opt-out clauses late in spring training, allowing them to pursue opportunities with other teams if they aren’t added to the major league roster.
Rule 5 pick adds another wrinkle
Another pitcher facing similar roster complications is Zach McCambley, who was selected by the Phillies in the Rule 5 Draft.
Rule 5 players must remain on the major league roster or be offered back to their original team. In McCambley’s case, if Philadelphia tries to send him to the minors, he must first pass through waivers and then be offered back to the Miami Marlins for $50,000.
McCambley has performed fairly well this spring, allowing one run over five innings, though control issues remain a concern after issuing five walks.
Still, his last two outings have been more efficient and walk-free, giving him momentum as the competition continues.
Other relievers making their case
Several other pitchers remain firmly in the mix.
Chase Shugart has arguably been the most impressive among the right-handers, throwing 4⅓ scoreless innings so far this spring. The Phillies acquired him from the Pirates in January after he posted a 3.40 ERA and 1.11 WHIP in 35 appearances last season.
Max Lazar also remains an intriguing option thanks to his versatility. His cutter is effective against left-handed hitters, and his curveball gives him another weapon against right-handers. Lazar also has the most experience in the Phillies bullpen among the candidates, with 47 appearances over the past two seasons.
Meanwhile, some veterans have struggled early in camp.
Trivino and Mayza have allowed hitters to post a combined .342 batting average, while Richards has battled control issues, walking four batters in 4⅔ innings.
Pitchers Seth Johnson and Nolan Hoffman have been among the most heavily used arms in camp. Johnson has thrown 5⅔ innings, though walks remain an issue, while Hoffman has allowed 10 hits and two home runs despite recording nine strikeouts.
Decision approaching quickly
With only two bullpen spots available and multiple pitchers still in the running, the Phillies face a difficult decision as spring training enters its final stretch.
Performance will certainly matter, but roster flexibility, contract clauses and long-term roster planning could ultimately determine which two relievers earn a spot when the team breaks camp.
For now, the competition remains wide open — and every outing could influence who makes the final cut before Opening Day.
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