Updated: 3:20 p.m.
CLEARWATER, Fla. -- The Phillies' opening day roster continues to take shape.
On Tuesday, the club eliminated one candidate for a spot on the bench when it released veteran outfielder/infielder Chris Coghlan from his minor-league contract.
Later Tuesday afternoon, the Phillies traded right-hander Alec Asher to the Baltimore Orioles for a player to be named later. The team still has roster questions on the bench and in the bullpen.
Coghlan had been a candidate for one of two remaining spots on the bench. His departure leaves Brock Stassi, Daniel Nava and Jesmuel Valentin in the hunt for the final two jobs. There were indications Tuesday that the club was leaning toward carrying Stassi on the roster. The 27-year-old first baseman/outfielder has had a strong camp. He has never played in the majors.
Andres Blanco, Aaron Altherr and Andrew Knapp already appear to be locks for the bench.
Philadelphia Phillies
Complete coverage of the Fightin' Phils and their MLB rivals from NBC Sports Philadelphia.
There are two openings in the bullpen with Adam Morgan, Joely Rodriguez, Luis Garcia and Cesar Ramos in the hunt.
The new opening on the 40-man roster would help the Phillies fit Stassi and/or Nava onto the team. Neither is currently on the 40.
Asher, 25, was one of five minor-leaguers the Phillies acquired from the Rangers in the July 2015 Cole Hamels trade. Asher went 2-1 with a 2.28 ERA in five starts with the Phils last season after posting a 2.37 ERA in 12 minor-league starts.
An 80-game PED suspension cost Asher most of the second half of his 2016 season.
