Pitcher Not Named Mick Abel Can Make Opening Day Roster

The Philadelphia Phillies enter the season with a roster that's as deep as any in baseball. There's a chance for players to make an impact, but for the most part, this team is set.

Of the potential names to watch out for, Mick Abel and Andrew Bellatti are two that could help the Phillies.

Bellatti has pitched at the big league level, posting a 3.83 ERA in 105 2/3 innings throughout his career. The 32-year-old, however, spent most of the season in the minors last year.

He was outrighted off the 40-man roster earlier in the offseason, so he will have to show Philadelphia's front office that he deserves a spot on the 40-man. 

That seems like a possibility.

According to Todd Zolecki of MLB.com, Bellatti is a dark horse candidate to make the Opening Day roster.

Contending teams are always looking for bullpen help and while Bellatti isn't going to significantly help this Phillies bullpen, he's proven that he can give them serviceable innings. 

The struggles were clear last season, posting a 5.11 ERA in 27 appearances. His numbers were down from his 3.31 ERA in 2022 throughout 59 appearances.

The question for Bellatti and Philadelphia is if he can get back to that. 

With Abel and other younger prospects potentially helping the Phillies, Bellatti could be the odd man out.

Being 32 doesn't help his scenario as there are others in the system that can likely give them similar production.

Unless the front office goes with the veteran, allowing a young arm to earn innings could be the way they go.