Phillies Add Five Non-Roster Invitees

2015 Choice Lehigh Valley
IronPigs Update #17

Reliever James Russell received some company on the list of Phillies non-roster invitees.  Five players were added to the ranks on Wednesday, and given the current state of flux of the Phillies roster, there's a really good chance each of these guys could see playing time in Philadelphia in 2016.

Right-handed pitchers Chris Leroux and Reinier Roibal played within the Phillies organization last season.  Leroux appeared with the IronPigs and Roibal spent time with the High-A Clearwater Threshers and the Double-A Reading Fightin Phils.  Despire appearing in 25 games for Reading, Roibal missed out on being included in their team set.

Of the five new additions, infielder Ryan Jackson saw the most action in the Majors last season, appearing in 22 games with the Angels.  Infielder Emmanuel Buriss played five games with the Nationals last season, and the bulk of his big league playing time came with the Giants between 2008 and 2012.

Righty Frank Herrmann hasn't seen action in the Majors since appearing in 15 games for the 2012 Indians.  Here's an updated list of the now six non-roster invitees, and their last major baseball card appearance.

Player (position) - 2015 Organization - Last Major Baseball Card Appearance
1.  James Russell (lhp) - Cubs - 2015 Topps #255 (Braves)
2.  Emmanuel Buriss (inf) - Nationals - 2010 Topps Update #US-82 (Giants)
3.  Ryan Jackson (inf) - Royals/Angels - 2013 Panini Prizm #238 (Cardinals)
4.  Frank Herrmann (rhp) - Angels/Pirates - 2010 Topps Update #US-89 (Indians)
5.  Chris Leroux (rhp) - Brewers/Phillies - 2013 Panini Select #205 (Pirates)
6.  Reinier Roibal (rhp) - Phillies - N/A