Phillies Finalize Opening Day Roster

A look at the team's decisions and what's next

Mar. 22, 2026 at 5:04pm

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The Philadelphia Phillies have finalized their 26-man roster for Opening Day, with 11 players who were not on the team last year. The bullpen features four left-handed pitchers, including Kyle Backhus and Tim Mayza, while veteran Dylan Moore earned a bench spot. Rookie outfielder Justin Crawford will start in center field, and Andrew Painter will make the fifth start of the season.

Why it matters

The Phillies' roster decisions reflect their efforts to build a competitive team for the upcoming season, with a mix of veteran experience and young talent. The inclusion of rookies Crawford and Painter in particular signals the team's commitment to developing its next generation of stars.

The details

The Phillies filled out their bullpen with four left-handed pitchers, including Kyle Backhus and Tim Mayza, who impressed during spring training. Zach Pop also earned a bullpen spot, while the team chose Rafael Marchán as the backup catcher over Garrett Stubbs. Veteran utilityman Dylan Moore will be on the bench. Orion Kerkering, who is recovering from a hamstring injury, will start the season on the injured list.

  • The Phillies finalized their 26-man roster on March 22, 2026.
  • Orion Kerkering will be eligible to return on April 7, the 11th game of the season.
  • Zack Wheeler is targeting a return to the team sometime in April.

The players

Justin Crawford

A rookie outfielder who will be the Phillies' starting center fielder on Opening Day.

Andrew Painter

A rookie pitcher who will make the fifth start of the season for the Phillies.

Kyle Backhus

A left-handed pitcher who arrived in an offseason trade with the Arizona Diamondbacks and impressed during spring training.

Tim Mayza

A left-handed pitcher who signed a new contract that guarantees him $1.75 million in the majors and agreed to an advance consent clause.

Dylan Moore

A veteran utilityman who earned a bench spot on the Phillies' roster.

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What they’re saying

“Crawford has done very well for himself. He's played well in center field. Guys have been happy with him in that regard. So we feel that he's very comfortable out there. He has contributed from an offensive perspective. Again, he's going to be ninth in the lineup most of the time. You have to suffer the ups and downs, which happens with young guys. But we like him a lot. He's meshed well. I think he brings a youthful enthusiasm, which is always great for a team. As does as Painter.”

— Dave Dombrowski, Phillies President of Baseball Operations

“He has thrown the ball very well this spring. He's done a good job for us. He just keeps building on what he has. His velocity has been very good. But more impressive has been his breaking stuff. … So even though he's a young guy coming up that can throw upper 90s, he can also throw a sweeper, slider and changeup. He's earned it.”

— Dave Dombrowski, Phillies President of Baseball Operations

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

The Phillies' roster decisions reflect their efforts to build a competitive team for the upcoming season, with a mix of veteran experience and young talent. The inclusion of rookies Crawford and Painter in particular signals the team's commitment to developing its next generation of stars.