The Phillies announced Thursday that first baseman Brock Stassi and outfielder Daniel Nava have earned the final two bench spots.
Infielder Jesmuel Valentin told reporters he was being sent to triple-A Lehigh Valley.
Stassi certainly earned the right – he’s hitting .339/.403/.714 with six home runs and 17 RBI in 56 spring at bats. Watch this video, courtesy Ryan Lawrence, in which an emotional Stassi speaks about the enormity of the news.
Nava also earned his spot, hitting .386/.481/.523 in 44 spring at bats.
Valentin also played well – .366/.422/.512 – and would’ve been a good utility man in case of any problems in the infield, but Andres Blanco is on board already.