Bruce among Phillies' first wave of roster moves

PHILADELPHIA -- With active rosters expanding to 40 players on Sunday, the Phillies made a handful of moves prior to their series finale against the Mets at Citizens Bank Park, including activating outfielder Jay Bruce from the 10-day injured list.

Philadelphia also recalled left-hander Cole Irvin and selected the contracts of infielder Phil Gosselin, catcher Deivy Grullon and right-hander Nick Vincent from Triple-A Lehigh Valley.

To make room on the 40-man roster, the Phillies designated righty Drew Anderson for assignment, transferred Adam Morgan (left flexor strain) to the 60-day injured list and placed Jerad Eickhoff (right middle finger blister/laceration) on the 60-day IL. Morgan and Eickhoff will both miss the remainder of the season.

Bruce and Grullon will provide some pop off the bench, while Grullon's addition also gives the club added flexibility with a third catcher. Irvin, meanwhile, is capable of pitching multiple innings, while Vincent, who was signed on Aug. 10, provides further depth in the bullpen.

"What we've been trying to balance is not having a completely overloaded clubhouse," manager Gabe Kapler said. "Making sure that we have enough protection, enough length, enough weapons to win in September without going overboard and having pieces that just kind of make the clubhouse feel crowded."

General manager Matt Klentak said the team also expects to make additional moves in the coming days, between players recently sent to the Minors becoming eligible to return and the Minor League season coming to an end. Klentak said right-hander Nick Pivetta, outfielder Nick Williams, third baseman Maikel Franco and utility player Jose Pirela are likely to join the Phillies this week in Cincinnati.

"We're going to try to support the club as well as we can," Klentak said. "Once the Minor League seasons are over and guys go home, it's hard to pull them off their couches and bring them back if you need a guy. So we've got to make sure we're supported here with who we have for the final month in case there are injuries or other circumstances."

As the season's final month begins, here is a look at a few Phillies prospects who have either already made an impact in 2019 or could contribute in the near future:

Arrival
Rookie outfielder Adam Haseley joined the Phillies in early June, when they lost Andrew McCutchen to a season-ending knee injury. Haseley batted .280 with six doubles, three home runs, 12 RBIs and a .785 OPS in his first 87 plate appearances before pitchers started to throw him more offspeed pitches. It has been a grind lately, but Haseley has provided the Phillies with depth in the outfield with McCutchen, Bruce and Roman Quinn all spending time on the injured list.

Breakout
Right-hander Spencer Howard is the organization's No. 4 prospect, according to MLB Pipeline. He has pitched so well since his promotion to Double-A Reading that there has been talk he could be called up this month, providing help to a beleaguered pitching staff. He is scheduled to play in the Arizona Fall League, but that does not prohibit the Phillies from changing their mind.

Something to prove
Reading outfielder Mickey Moniak was the first overall pick in the 2016 Draft. He is expected to join Howard and four others in the Fall League. Moniak struggled in his first three seasons in professional baseball. The club's No. 8 prospect has made some strides this year in his first taste of Double-A ball, but he still has a ways to go. Moniak, however, is just 21 years old, making him three years younger than the average player in the Eastern League. There is plenty of time.

Name to watch
Reading third baseman Alec Bohm was the third overall pick in the 2018 Draft. He started the season in Class A Lakewood before promotions to Class A Advanced Clearwater and eventually Reading. The club's No. 1 prospect has hit at every level, and it is not a stretch to think Bohm could be in the big leagues as early as next season, though the Phillies could look for a one-year solution at third base to ensure he is ready.