Phillies release Josh Harrison, send top prospect and 3 others to Lehigh Valley

The Phillies announced several roster decisions late Tuesday night following the teams’ intrasquad game.

Josh Harrison has requested his release from the team and it was granted.

The former Pittsburgh Pirate joins Logan Forsythe and Francisco Liriano as those who requested their opt-out of their minor league contract.

Harrison, 33, signed a minor-league contract with the Phillies in December. The two-time All-Star played for the Detroit Tigers in 2019 where he hit .176/.218/.263 in 36 games played. He would have served in a utility infielder and outfielder role with the Phillies if he made the 30-man Opening Day roster.

The Phillies also announced that they have transferred RHPs Spencer Howard, Mauricio Llovera, Addison Russ and catcher Logan O’Hoppe to Lehigh Valley, which will serve as the site of the team’s taxi squad. Howard, the organization’s No. 1 pitching prospect according to multiple outlets, could be back with the major-league team by the second week of the season.

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