By Matt Rappa, Sports Talk Philly editor 
Andrew Knapp entered spring training with the belief by Manager Gabe Kapler that he was in the "driver’s seat" for the backup catcher role.
Knapp, 27, originally, would have complemented Jorge Alfaro, but an early February acquisition of All-Star-caliber catcher J.T. Realmuto from the Miami Marlins changed the picture quite considerably.
With the season set to begin in two weeks, nothing has changed regarding Knapp's status, however. According to The Athletic's Meghan Montemurro, Kapler said on Thursday that Knapp has "solidified his position," praising his "improved throwing" and how he is "swinging the bat."
Andrew Knapp’s dad texted him yesterday pregame when he found out he was not in Phillies starting lineup & told him something to the effect… ‘no worries, just hit a walk off homer’
Knapp hit Walk off HR in 13th @6abc #andrewknapp #phillies #beboldpic.twitter.com/La4ys0YP5m
— Jeff Skversky 6abc (@JeffSkversky) July 2, 2018
This spring, Knapp has produced a Phillies third-best .345 batting average, minimum 25 at-bats, bested only by non-roster invitee infielder Phil Gosselin (.407) and Realmuto (.360).
Knapp has logged 140 regular season games since debuting in April 2017. Over these contests, the Roseville, California, native has slashed .226/.330/.341 with 45 runs scored, 14 doubles, three triples, seven home runs, 28 RBI, 55 walks and 131 strikeouts spanning 419 plate appearances. Behind the plate, Knapp has committed just 12 errors over 867 chances and 841 innings.
The Phillies had four non-roster invitee catchers attend big-league camp this spring: Rob Brantly, Drew Butera, Deivy Grullon and Matt McBride. Barring an injury to Knapp, all four appear likely to either start the 2019 season in the Phillies' minor-league system, or on the free agent market.
