The Philadelphia Phillies elected to option Adam Morgan to Triple-A Lehigh Valley today, meaning that Vince Velasquez won the club's competition for the No. 5 starter.
Tuesday, another decision looms for the team.
According to Jim Salisbury of Comcast SportsNet Philadelphia, the Phillies have to decide whether non-roster invitee Edward Mujica will make the team.
Mujica informed the club on Saturday that he intends to opt out of his contract if he’s not on the roster. The club had 48 hours to respond, so he will learn his fate on Tuesday. In fact, the entire bullpen situation could be clearer on Tuesday.
In seven games this spring, Mujica has struck out seven and posted a 2.17 ERA. He's logged 8.1 innings in that time.
Though Mujica doesn't appear to be seriously in the running to be the team's closer to begin the season, he has experience as a closer, having saved 37 games in an All-Star 2013 season. So should someone like Andrew Bailey open the season as a closer and struggle, Mujica could potentially get be another option for manager Pete Mackanin to turn to.
The problem that Mujica faces in his pursuit of making the Phillies' roster is that Bailey seems to have earned a spot, as does Dalier Hinojosa. Neither of those two were locks to make the roster, but if they are paired with David Hernandez — who is a lock to make the major league roster because he has a guaranteed major league deal, it seems to put Mujica in a position where he may not make the club.
Tim Kelly (@TimKellySports) is the Managing Editor of Philliedelphia.com, focusing on news and features.
