Relief help likely on Phillies' list for Sept. 1

Klentak: Callups for expanded roster to come 'in stages'

August 24th, 2016

CHICAGO -- The Phillies are expected to promote a handful of players once the 25-man roster expands on Sept. 1. 
But don't expect those promotions to come all at once.
"We'll probably do callups in stages," Phillies general manager Matt Klentak said Tuesday at U.S. Cellular Field. "A few guys on the first just to make sure this team is covered, but not so many that we deplete the Double-A and Triple-A teams who are playing meaningful games. When their seasons end, that's another stage. But it's not going to be everybody arrives on the first."
The Phillies could call up relievers like , and on Sept. 1 to help the bullpen. Phillies manager Pete Mackanin said Tuesday that he is looking for a couple more relievers to prevent , who leads the big leagues with 63 appearances, and from being overused.
Right-hander seems likely to make an appearance in September. His 80-game suspension for testing positive for performance-enhancing drugs ends Sept. 5, the final day of the IronPigs' regular season. Asher is not eligible to compete in the Minor League postseason.
In terms of prospects, catcher and outfielder already are on the 40-man roster, which helps their chances. They could be up once Double-A Reading's season is finished. Triple-A outfielder seemed like a smart bet at one point, but he has hit .192 with four home runs, 19 RBIs and a .551 OPS in 132 plate appearances since July 15. He is not on the 40-man roster.
Triple-A shortstop J.P. Crawford, ranked as the club's top prospect, is not expected to be promoted.
Infielder will rejoin the team at some point. He is recovering from a broken left finger. First baseman , right-hander and outfielders and  also are on the 40-man roster.