Francoeur, Hernandez make Phils opening day roster
Every beats writer in the greater Delaware Valley tweeted the Phillies’ opening day roster this afternoon. A couple surprises were included among the 25 active players with outfielder Jeff Francoeur and infielder Cesar Hernandez making the cut.
Francoeur posted a .227 average with three doubles and two RBI in 15 Grapefruit League contests this spring. The 31-year-old played in 10 games with a Padres last season, sporting a .083 batting average in that stint. Francoeur was last a big league regular in 2012 with Kansas City, when he tallied a .235 average with 16 homers and 49 RBI.
Hernandez could be the first player to go if and when outfielder Domonic Brown (left Achilles tendinitis) returns from injury. Hernandez posted a .143 batting average in 27 spring games for the Phillies. The switch-hitting 24-year-old is out of options.
Outfielder Jordan Danks, who batted .256 with two doubles, a home run and five RBI in 27 spring games, was optioned to Triple-A.
Righty relievers Luis Garcia and Jeanmar Gomez will be in the bullpen and newly signed starter Dustin McGowan will be on the roster when the Phillies kick off their 2015 season on Monday afternoon at home against Boston.
Click here to view the full Phillies opening day roster.
While the minor league rosters are expected to be unveiled throughout Sunday afternoon (view them at PhoulBallz as they become available), the Phils have made a few cuts from their farm in recent days, including lefty hurler Austin Wright, righty hurlers Dan Child, Frank Rivas as well as Jon Prosinski and infielder Tyler Greene being released.
