The Phillies answered two questions about their Opening Day roster today with the announcement of two roster moves. First, the Phillies announced that outfielder Domonic Brown would begin the 2015 season on the disabled list. Then the Phillies gave right-handed starter Kevin Slowey his outright release from the team.
Brown has been bothered by a sore Achilles. With no tear, all Brown can do is take it easy and hope to not damage the Achilles further. Ryan Lawrence of the Daily News reports that there is no timetable on Brown's return. Further, Lawrence reports that Darin Ruf will not get an outfield opportunity in Brown's absence. Jordan Danks, Grady Sizemore, or Brian Bogusevic will help the Phillies continue their goal to have an entirely left-handed outfield.
Slowey was a candidate for the Phillies fifth starter job as recently as yesterday. However, Slowey's performance was one he would probably prefer to forget. In two innings of work, Slowey surrendered six runs, five of them earned. Slowey was also challenged to a fight by Pirates infielder Sean Rodriguez during the game. Slowey was not awful up until yesterday, allowing four earned runs in 9 2/3 innings. But the Phillies decided to cut ties today and released Slowey.
Opening Day is just six days away, and the Phillies have yet to figure out who will be the team's fifth starter. Sean O'Sullivan has been re-summoned from minor league camp to start today as they try to come up with a solution. Chad Billinglsey might be ready in the near future. In that case, the Phillies could give O'Sullivan a start or two until then.
