A double's worth of Philadelphia Phillies notes as the 2016 season nears, courtesy of Rotoworld:
Manager Pete Mackanin said that Ryan Howard will start at first base on Opening Day against the Reds, Ryan Lawrence of the Philly Voice reports. Mackanin would not confirm that Howard would also open the year in a platoon at first base with Darin Ruf, but that remains the expectation. The question is how much will Ruf play. Howard is in the final year of his contract and the Phillies are looking to the future. It would make sense to give Ruf more opportunity beyond just facing lefties, but Mackanin has yet to give any indication that is in the cards. Howard proved last season he can still be productive against right handed pitching with an .802 OPS and 20 home runs in 367 at-bats.
Dalier Hinojosa remains in the mix to close for the Phillies, Ryan Lawrence of the Philly Voice reports. Manager Pete Mackanin said Monday that he is still trying to figure out "the best way to go" with his closing situation. He also said he won't name a closer until he is 100 percent sure about putting someone in that role. That could lead to the Phillies opening the year with a committee. Hinojosa and David Hernandez look like the top two choices to close at the moment. Hernandez may be the slight favorite for the job. Andrew Bailey, who was once considered the front runner to close, might now be looking at a trip to Triple-A at the start of the season.
