Tyson Brummett, we hardly knew thee. Today the Phillies began clearing space on their 40-man roster, attempting to outright RHP Tyson Brummett, IF Pete Orr, and C Steven Lerud to AAA Lehigh Valley. Brummet did not make it through waivers and was claimed in the exchange by the Toronto Blue Jays, reports MLB.com's Todd Zolecki.
The Phillies will need to clear roster space for offseason moves. By removing Brummett, Orr, and Lerud, the Phillies stand at 37 players, in addition to four players on the 60-day disabled list. Having those players on the 60-day disabled list opened up roster space during the season, but they need to find their way back onto the 40-man roster this offseason.
Of the four injured players, Jose Contreras and Brian Schneider are good bets not to return. Their contracts are expiring and the Phillies have other, cheaper options. David Herndon and Michael Stutes will need to be added to the roster. The rules give the Phillies until November 20th to add them to the 40-man roster.
Sure bets to exit the roster as well are 3B Placido Polanco, whose option likely will be declined, and Juan Pierre, who will be a free agent.
Players who could be cut include Nate Schierholtz and Raul Valdes. Schierholtz is eligible for arbitration, and with other left-handed outfield options in Domonic Brown and Laynce Nix, the Phillies may decide to non-tender Schierholtz, making him a free agent. Valdes could also be cut. The Phillies have four left-handed relievers on the roster right now in Jake Diekman, Jeremy Horst, Antonio Bastardo, and Valdes. He may be the weakest link.
The Phillies will have to add to the 40-man roster some of their talented minor leaguers or risk losing them to the Rule 5 draft. Additionally, free-agent signings will also require moves. This could lead to the end of Michael Martinez's time on the Phillies. The Phillies have Freddy Galvis and potentially Cesar Hernandez who can serve as backup infielders.
