In the world of Major League Baseball, every player and every roster spot can make a significant difference, especially for teams aiming for the postseason. Philadelphia Phillies manager Rob Thomson has often emphasized the importance of every player, particularly as the team approached Opening Day.
This year, 47 players have seen action for the Phillies, and among them, Cal Stevenson has made a notable impact. A seasoned baseball journeyman, Stevenson has been with six different organizations since launching his professional career in 2018. After making his debut with the Athletics in 2022, Stevenson joined the Phillies’ 40-man roster on May 26, 2023, through a waiver claim from the Giants. However, he was soon designated for assignment and sent to Triple-A Lehigh Valley on June 7.
Stevenson had to bide his time for over a year before getting another chance in the majors. Once he did, he capitalized on the opportunity with impressive performances. Within a single week, Stevenson delivered two game-winning RBI doubles and made a remarkable home-run-robbing catch at the wall.
Reflecting on his recent successes, Stevenson remarked, “It’s been a good one. It feels great to contribute at this stage of the season.”
One of Stevenson’s standout moments came during a crucial game against the New York Mets. With two runners on base and two outs in the seventh inning, the Phillies were trailing by one run. Facing a tough pitcher in Reed Garrett, Stevenson took a first-pitch cutter and adjusted his swing to drive a double off the right-field wall, scoring two runs and completing a four-run comeback for the Phillies. His contributions didn’t end there; Stevenson later made a leaping catch at the center field wall to prevent a potential home run, helping to preserve the lead.
Rob Thomson praised Stevenson’s performance, saying, “He can go get it in the outfield. I was considering a defensive substitution, but after that catch, I decided to let him play.”
While the Phillies are focused on securing a postseason spot, the competition for roster spots remains fierce. The outfield, in particular, is a position of uncertainty. Brandon Marsh and Nick Castellanos are secure in their roles, and Johan Rojas is likely to make the team for his defensive capabilities. Austin Hays’ availability for the postseason is still uncertain due to a kidney infection. Thomson has mentioned that while Hays is showing signs of improvement, he is not yet ready for full activity, potentially opening a spot for another outfielder.
Weston Wilson is expected to make the roster as an infielder/outfielder with a right-handed bat. Depending on Hays’ condition, Stevenson might also secure a spot, especially given his versatility and recent strong performances.
Bryce Harper, after a 30-game homerless streak, made headlines by hitting two home runs in back-to-back at-bats against Mets pitcher Luis Severino, contributing to the Phillies’ comeback. Harper downplayed the significance of ending his power drought, focusing instead on the team’s overall success.
In addition to Harper’s resurgence, the Phillies benefited from Taijuan Walker’s first scoreless outing of the season. Entering in long relief after Kolby Allard’s rough start, Walker provided three scoreless innings, walking no batters and inducing early contact. His performance was a step towards regaining the trust of the coaching staff, crucial for his role in the postseason.
As the Phillies navigate the final stretch of the regular season and prepare for October, the contributions of every player, including those like Stevenson, are vital. With key roster decisions on the horizon, each player’s performance could play a pivotal role in the team’s postseason success.
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