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Phillies Notes: Francoeur, Blanco make Phillies' roster

The Phillies will carry two utility infielders and only four true outfielders to begin the season. Cesar Hernandez, who is out of minor-league options, and versatile veteran Andres Blanco made the team Sunday as bench players, as did rightfielder Jeff Francoeur.

The Phillies will carry two utility infielders and only four true outfielders to begin the season. Cesar Hernandez, who is out of minor-league options, and versatile veteran Andres Blanco made the team Sunday as bench players, as did rightfielder Jeff Francoeur.

Centerfielder Odubel Herrera and leftfielder Ben Revere are expected to start Monday against the Red Sox. Grady Sizemore will likely play right field while Domonic Brown rehabs from Achilles tendinitis. Darin Ruf made the roster as an infielder but can play left field in addition to first base.

Lefthander Mario Hollands, likely to undergo season-ending surgery to repair an elbow strain, was placed on the 60-day disabled list. Righthanders Chad Billingsley, working his way back from a pair of elbow operations, and Jonathan Pettibone, coming back from June shoulder surgery, were placed on the 15-day DL.

After purchasing the contracts of Blanco and Francoeur, both of whom competed in spring training on minor-league deals, the Phillies completed their 40-man roster.

Prospects at Reading

The starting rotation for the Phillies' double-A affiliate will feature the organization's top four pitching prospects and a former top prospect looking to bounce back from a struggle-filled season.

Righthanders Aaron Nola, Zach Eflin and Ben Lively and lefthanders Jesse Biddle and Tom Windle are in Reading readying for their seasons. They are joined by speedster Roman Quinn, the Phillies' best outfield prospect.

Top prospect J.P. Crawford is in Clearwater rehabbing from his recent oblique strain. Once healthy, it appears likely the 20-year-old shortstop will begin his year with the Threshers. He should reach double A at some point this season.

Biddle, the former first-round pick from Germantown Friends, enters a pivotal season after a miserable 2014. His spring garnered positive reviews.

"Jesse had a very good camp," Phillies director of player development Joe Jordan said. "If you took out last year and probably looked at this year's spring training, he would probably have been on that triple-A staff. He needs to go back [to Reading] and take care of his business."

Catcher Tommy Joseph, whose development has been derailed by concussion issues and a broken wrist, begins in Lehigh Valley. Outfielder Aaron Altherr will start back in Reading.

Outfielder Kelly Dugan will start the year on the DL with a stress fracture in his right foot.

- Jake Kaplan