Rafael Marchan had already known that he was going to miss Opening Day because of a hamstring injury. The Phillies had optioned Marchan to Triple-A Lehigh Valley on March 23, but in what was a technical move, Marchan was recalled on Thursday so he could be placed on the major league 60-day IL, which would effectively move him from the 40-man roster and open a spot for Bryson Stott, who won a job out of spring training.
Marchan had made his MLB debut last season with the Phillies and hit .221 in 38 games during his first major league experience. During the offseason, the Phillies dealt for catchers Garrett Stubbs and Donny Sands after letting backup catcher Andrew Knapp walk. Stubbs won the backup job with the Phillies this spring and Sands was assigned to Lehigh Valley where he will be the go-to guy until Marchan’s return. The Phillies also have catching prospect Logan O’Hoppe playing at Double-A Reading.
At one point, Marchan had been considered the heir to Knapp and a potential major league starter. With the emergence of O’Hoppe last season and the deals for backup catchers, Marchan is having difficulty hanging on to his spot on the depth chart. The injury certainly does not help that standing.