For much of the first half of the season, one of the most glaring weaknesses of the 2025 Philadelphia Phillies was a lackluster bullpen. That has since changed with the addition of Jhoan Duran on the eve of Major League Baseball's trade deadline.
After beginning the month of August with two series victories at home against the Detroit Tigers and Baltimore Orioles, the club swept the Texas Rangers on the road. The Phillies sit atop the National League East after a strong start to the month and the relief corps has been a large part of the team's post-deadline success.
Addition of Jhoan Duran has elevated Phillies’ bullpen since trade deadline
Prior to the acquisition of Duran, the Phillies' bullpen had been an issue. Struggles from newly acquired relievers Joe Ross and Jordan Romano plus the suspension of José Alvarado, all contributed to an obvious lack of depth in the area.
From the beginning of the season through July 31, the club's relievers posted a 4.48 ERA and a 1.37 WHIP, which were both ranked seventh worst in baseball. On top of that, opposing offenses were batting .251 against the relief battery.
Since adding the former Minnesota Twins closer, the bullpen has taken a much-needed step forward.
In the first three series of August, the Phillies' bullpen ranks near the top of the league in some important statistical categories.
Entering action on Monday, their 1.82 ERA jumped up to third-best in the league, while their 0.73 WHIP ranks first. Their .163 batting average against is the fourth-lowest in that span. The relief corps has also boosted its K-BB% to a second-best 23.3 percent from a paltry 13.5 percent before the trade deadline.
Duran has only appeared in four games with his new team; however, his arrival has shifted some roles around and added much-needed depth to the backend of the bullpen. The need for pitchers such as Matt Strahm and Orion Kerkering to close the door in the ninth inning has been mitigated, and now those relievers can pitch in spots that better suit their game.
The Phillies are getting reinforcements to add some high-leverage depth as well. David Robertson was activated prior to Sunday's series finale in Texas.
In addition, Alvarado has already made two appearances on his way back from his suspension and can rejoin the big-league club next week. While he will not be eligible for the postseason, his fresh arm can provide some key innings down the stretch.
The Phillies' bullpen went from an area of concern to one of confidence in just a couple of weeks. As fans have seen in the past, a good bullpen can be the difference maker in a playoff series. As of now, it looks like this is an area of strength for a Phillies team with lofty postseason aspirations.