Veteran catcher Jeff Mathis won't be with the Phillies on Opening Day next week, as the team announced that the soon-to-be 38-year old has requested and been granted his release.
Mathis was in Phillies camp on a minor-league contract, and is now once again a free agent.
In his 29 spring at-bats, Mathis picked up six hits, including one home run and two doubles, as he made a push to make the big-league roster. Those chances seemed to receive a boost when starting catcher J.T. Realmuto suffered a fractured thumb shortly after pitchers and catchers reported to spring training, but Realmuto returned to make his spring debut on Tuesday night, and went deep in his first at-bat.
With Realmuto looking to be on track to be ready for Opening Day, Mathis' chances to make the big-league roster took a hit.
Mathis, known much more for his defense behind the plate, has had an interesting big-league career that includes 16 seasons and five teams. He has a career slash line of .194/.253/.300, but has always managed to find playing time thanks to his defensive work. He batted .161 in 24 games with the Rangers last season.
