Phillies trim roster to 45; Stutes stays alive
SARASOTA, Fla. -- There were few surprises as the Phillies announced their first round of cuts, trimming their spring training roster from 61 to 45 prior to their Grapefruit League game against the Orioles on Friday.
The headline, perhaps, was the fact that relief pitching prospect Mike Stutes was not among the cuts, while most of the rest of his peer group were sent back to minor league camp.
Stutes has allowed one run with 11 strikeouts and no walks in seven impressive innings this spring.
Fellow relief prospect Justin De Fratus, who allowed five earned runs with 5 strikeouts and two walks in four Grapefruit League innings, was among those players optioned to the minor leagues.
Joining him were righthanders Drew Naylor and J.C. Ramirez, infielders Harold Garcia, Cesar Hernandez and Carlos Rivero and first baseman Matt Rizzotti.
Nine non-roster players were assigned to minor league camp: righthanders Brian Bass, Eddie Bonine, Andrew Carpenter and Michael Schwimer, catcher Joel Naughton, first baseman Tagg Bozied, and outfielder Matt Miller.
Infielder Robb Quinlan asked for and was granted his release.
The Phillies must set their 25-man Opening Day roster by March 31.