A clearer picture of the Phillies roster for Thursday’s season opener came into focus on Monday night when it was announced that Tommy Hunter would start the season on the disabled list.
The righthanded reliever’s mild hamstring strain, which manager Gabe Kapler said does not carry long-term concerns, opened a roster spot for both Jake Thompson and Victor Arano. The righthanders were competing for the final spot in the bullpen.
Hunter will join Mark Leiter Jr. and Jerad Eickhoff on the disabled list. Jake Arrieta will not be on the opening day roster but instead will either be activated from the disabled list or optioned from the minor leagues before he makes his Phillies debut on April 8.