Spring cuts continue as three more prospects head to minor league camp

The Phillies’ third round of Spring roster cuts was announced Tuesday morning, as pitchers Garrett Cleavinger and Mauricio Llovera were optioned to Lehigh Valley, while NRI Darick Hall was also sent to minor league camp.

Cleavinger and Llovera had some impressive flashes, but still have some work to do before they’re ready to be big league cavalry. Cleavinger pitched in 4 games, logged 4 innings, and struck out and walked 5 each with 3 ER; Llovera struck out and walked 2 with 1 ER in 4 innings of his own. Hall picked up his 2 hits in 22 PA, with 7 strikeouts, and may spend time in Reading to start the season.

The Lehigh Valley bullpen is shaping up to be an impressive unit, especially if Llovera is converted to a full-time RP. Right now, the IronPigs relief staff consists of some mix of Cleavinger, Llovera, Kyle Dohy, and Connor Brogdon, as well as some possible upcoming reassignments like J.D. Hammer and veteran signees like Bud Norris, Trevor Kelley, and Drew Storen.

The Phillies are down to 58 players in Major League camp.