Phillies slugger Kyle Schwarber appears ready to be activated from the injured list on Tuesday.
Two-time MVP Bryce Harper could join him, and if he doesn’t won’t be far behind.
Kody Clemens and Johan Rojas were the players brought up 10 days ago when the two stars went on the injured list after being hurt in the same game. But it’s possible both or at least one of those players will remain when the two standouts are activated.
Rojas was sent down for two reasons - he had options and the Phillies wanted the light-hitting center fielder to work on some offensive skills. Rojas met their expectations in Lehigh Valley during an eight-game stint - batting .382 - and while he is just 6-for-28 since, he has scored five runs in eight games and made some of the game-changing plays with his speed and defense that make him the Phillies’ preferred center fielder.
When he was recalled the last time, Clemens had been on the injured list with back spasms and because David Dahl - who had replaced Clemens on the roster - was hitting well and was out of options, Clemens was in a bit of purgatory on his rehab assignment. Even though he had performed well with the Phillies, Clemens had no obvious spot to be activated in - until Harper was injured.
Clemens has been the starting first baseman against right-handers with Harper out. He can also play second and third and had been working in the outfield.
Clemens is 5-for-23 since his recall and is hitting .242 overall, but his left-handed bat and versatility probably make him the best choice for a bench spot - though that may come down the road, such as the postseason, to keep roster flexibility.
The other players who could be on the roster bubble include outfielders Dahl and Cristian Pache and utility man Whit Merrifield. None of the three could be directly sent to the minors as each would have to be designated for assignment and could be claimed off waivers.
Dahl has been in the majors for longer than five years and therefore can decline to be optioned. He has tailed off considerably though, striking out in 11 of his last 12 plate appearances, so the Phillies might not mind risking losing him either through being claimed or Dahl’s preference.
Pache can be sent to the minors if he clears waivers - which isn’t a given because of his outstanding defense and the fact he was once a top prospect. But he is hitting .196 this season in 92 at-bats and is a .178 hitter for his career.
The Phillies have to decide if his defense is worth a roster spot.
While Merrifield has been a disappointment slashing .197/.278/.283 and is making $7 million - meaning nobody will claim him off waivers - he was just an all-star a year ago and the Phillies will likely give him every opportunity to get it turned around at least until the trade deadline , especially since they could use a right-handed complement to left fielder Brandon Mash. He would not be a candidate to be sent to the minors.
If Dahl and Clemens are the casualties, it means the bench would be very right-handed again with backup catcher Garrett Stubbs the only left-handed bat once starting catcher J.T. Realmuto returns from his own injury probably right after the All-Star Break.
Bill Evans can be reached at bevans@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him at @bybillevans.
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