Phillies Grant Releases To Veteran Pitchers Ivan Nova and Hector Rondon

The Philadelphia Phillies released a couple of Major League pitchers on Thursday, a week before the team starts the 2021 season.

The team granted releases to pitchers Ivan Nova and Hector Rondon, both pitchers who were in camp on minor-league deals.

Both pitchers asked to be released on Thursday after they were told that they wouldn't make the team's Opening Day roster.

"I wouldn't be surprised if they each got another job," manager Joe Girardi said.

"They got plenty of chances here, so they are ready if another team wants to look at their stuff. They thanked us and we gave them an opportunity.

"It's nice to have these options. We have a lot more (pitching) depth this year, and we have to make tough decisions. Usually when you have to make tough decisions in spring training, that's a good thing."

The Phillies' decision on Nova and Rondon is not surprising, and the team still has to decide who will make the team out of the pen.

Pitchers Brandon Kintzler and Tony Watson could learn whether they made the team as early as Friday. If they don't make the team, both will likely opt out and look to pitch elsewhere.

If the team decides their pen is in good enough shape, they may use the open roster spots for backup outfielders such as Odubel Herrera and Matt Joyce.