The Phillies roster picture got a bit clearer today with a few more cuts to the roster. The Phillies reported that the team has released reliever Edward Mujica and assigned infielder Ryan Jackson and outfielder David Lough to minor league camp. The moves make the Phillies Opening Day roster much clearer.
Lough was in competition with outfielder Cedric Hunter for an outfield spot, given the injuries to Cody Asche and Aaron Altherr. Lough was hitting over .300 as late as the third week of Spring Training, but Lough cooled off in recent days as he got more playing time. Lough heads to the minors after batting .256 with one home run and five RBI.
Mujica was one of three non-roster invitees to camp competing for a back-end bullpen spot. Ernesto Frieri and Andrew Bailey are also in the mix for a roster spot, but Mujica's contract called for a decision by today. The Phillies had been interested in Mujica in past offseasons. Mujica's best season came in 2013 when he was named to the National League All-Star team. Mujica was 0-1 with a 2.16 earned run average in Grapefruit League play.
Jackson probably had little chance to make the Phillies big league club. Jackson had 10 plate appearances with the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim in 2015 and was hitless. Jackson batted .265 for the Phillies this spring, seeing time at shortstop and third base. Jackson has some tools and he could be someone the Phillies call upon from AAA Lehigh Valley during the season should the Phillies suffer an injury.
The Phillies still have plenty of moves left to make prior to Monday's opener against the Reds in Cincinnati.
