After vying for just a bench spot, waiver claim Jake Cave not only found a spot on the roster, but also finds himself in the mix of becoming an Opening-Day starter for the NL reigning champs.

The Philadelphia Phillies announced their Opening-Day roster, putting an end to a hitters competition that took place this spring. Jake Cave and Dalton Guthrie earned bench spots over fan-favorite Scott Kingery and Kody Clemens. But given how the roster has taken shape, and how well Cave played, it now appears he may find himself in the starting lineup.

Cave, 30 years old, caught eyes this spring, hitting better than everybody on the Phillies roster. Moreover, among all teams, no one had more hits this spring than Cave. In the Grapefruit League, Cave hit .440 in 50 at-bats. 10 of his 22 hits were for extra bases.

Injuries have decimated the reigning NL champs. The team knew it was going start the season without MVP Bryce Harper, but the loss of Rhys Hoskins hurt bad, real bad. Darick Hall, who could have opened up the season up as DH, will now be thrusted into the lineup as the team’s starting first baseman, barring any outside move. Hypothetically, the Phillies could opt to place Kyle Schwarber into that now-vacant DH spot, leaving an open spot in left field.

Now, I know that they are spring numbers. If you look at Cave’s past in the big leagues, you won’t see anything similar. However, the when making that decision, the only thing that matters is what’s happening at that moment. And for all of the moments leading up to Opening Day, Cave made the most of them. To that, he credits much of it to Phillies hitting coach Kevin Long.

“I’m giving a lot of credit here to Kevin Long,” Cave said. “He’s done a great job. We’re talking and we’re on the same page. I’m not having to go into at-bats in spring training and think about my mechanics. He’s helping me get into a good spot so that I can be productive and do damage. I feel great about it.”

Cave was drafted by the New York Yankees in the sixth round of the 2011 MLB Draft. After being traded and working his way up through the farm system, he made his debut with the Minnesota Twins in 2018. The Phillies claimed Cave off waivers on Dec. 2 of 2022. At that time, the club could not have imagined Cave as the team’s starting left field, and I’m sure fans couldn’t have either. But after Cave’s spring, it’s hard not to be excited about what he has to offer.

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