One of the most well-known moments of journeyman reliever Genesis Cabrera‘s career was smoking Philadelphia Phillies star Bryce Harper in the left cheek with a 97 mph fastball. Now, the former St. Louis Cardinals lefty could be teammates with the All-Star first baseman when the Phillies open the 2026 season against the Texas Rangers on Thursday, March 26.
MLB.com recently released an article outlining one “dark horse” player to make the Opening Day roster for each squad. Cabrera was the choice for the Phillies. “If Cabrera can recapture his form from 2021-24 — 3.94 ERA in 240 appearances — perhaps he can make one of the final two bullpen jobs available,” MLB.com contributor Todd Zolecki wrote.
The well-traveled reliever spent time with four different teams last season. The New York Mets, Chicago Cubs, Pittsburgh Pirates, and Minnesota Twins all took a shot on Cabrera in 2025.
Genesis Cabrera Could Make Philadelphia Phillies Roster After Hitting Bryce Harper in Face
The incident occurred in the 6th inning of a tie game between the Phillies and Cardinals on April 28, 2021. Cabrera entered the contest at the top of the frame, with manager Mike Shildt looking to set up a lefty-on-lefty matchup. The reliever’s first pitch to Harper was high and tight, striking him in the cheek. Harper’s nose was visibly bloodied as he staggered out of the batter’s box.
Cabrera doubled down on the wildness, pegging Didi Gregorious with the next pitch. A single from Andrew McCutchen would score Matt Joyce, who came on to run for Harper. The Phillies would not relinquish the lead. Cabrera earned the loss as the pitcher of record when the go-ahead run crossed.
The Tampa Bay Rays signed Cabrera as an international free agent in 2013. He was dealt to the Cardinals as part of a package that brought Tommy Pham to the Rays in 2018. Cabrera debuted with St. Louis in 2019. He emerged as a key contributor in the bullpen two years later.
Cabrera delivered a 4.14 ERA in five seasons with the Cardinals. The club sent him to the Toronto Blue Jays ahead of the 2023 trade deadline. Cabrera cruised to a 2.66 ERA in 29 appearances with Toronto that year. He was an integral part of the bullpen in 2024, picking up two saves and a team-leading 13 holds. Cabrera bounced around this past season. He landed with the Phillies on a minor league deal in December.
Who Will Be in the Phillies’ Bullpen in 2026?
Philadelphia landed one of the premier closers in the game at the 2025 trade deadline, adding Jhoan Duran in a deal with the Twins. Jose Alvarado will be back for the full season after missing half of last year due to a PED suspension. The Phillies added Brad Keller on a two-year, $22 million deal. The former Kansas City Royals starter had a breakout campaign as a reliever with the Cubs.
Orion Kerkering made the critical error that ended Philadelphia’s season in 2025. He’ll look to bounce back from that defeat as a critical member of the late-inning mix this year. Jonathan Bowlan, acquired from the Royals for Matt Strahm, will likely have a bullpen spot. Tanner Banks has a good chance to be the No. 2 left-hander behind Alvarado after a solid 2025 campaign.
Cabrera will be competing with the likes of Zach Pop, Lou Trivino, and Tim Mayza for a role with the big-league club. He and Mayza could have the inside track if Philadelphia wants another lefty in the ‘pen.
Pitcher Who Hit Bryce Harper in Face Could Make Phillies’ Roster