Phillies' Andrew Knapp: Expected to earn backup catching role

Knapp is expected to break camp as the Phillies' backup catcher despite having just four hits in 29 at-bats this spring, Matt Breen of The Philadelphia Inquirer reports.

Analysis:

Manager Pete Mackanin said he has been pleased with Knapp's defense this spring. The young backstop is also aided by the fact he is on the 40-man roster and that he wouldn't have a full-time job at Triple-A Lehigh Valley with top catching prospect Jorge Alfaro starting the season there. The Phillies have given Knapp some time at first base this spring, which could help him earn some extra at-bats beyond the one or two starts a week he'll get backing up Cameron Rupp.