Newest Phillies reliever avoids the chopping block with strong first impression

The Philadelphia Phillies are looking for any positive light on this team. The NL East leaders have been going through a prolonged rough patch since the series before the All-Star break. It seems like the entire team has been struggling with the exception of a few players.

Newest Phillies reliever Max Lazar avoids the chopping block with strong first impression

The Phillies selected Max Lazar’s contract on Aug. 9 as a corresponding move to left-handed pitcher Kolby Allard being optioned to Triple-A Lehigh Valley. Lazar made his major league debut on Aug. 10 against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Chase Field.

Lazar went 1 1/3 innings with a strikeout in his debut with the Phillies and pitched again the next day, going one inning with two strikeouts. He's now pitched 3 1/3 innings of one-hit baseball in the big leagues after his most recent appearance against the Washington Nationals.

He has impressed the Phillies enough to avoid being sent back down for the time being. The Phillies optioned reliever Yunior Marte to Triple-A when the organization reinstated starting pitcher Taijuan Walker from the IL on Aug. 13.

Lazar was drafted by the Milwaukee Brewers in the 11th round of the 2017 MLB Draft and acquired by the Phillies after the 2023 season.

The right-hander started the year in Double-A with Reading. He pitched in eight games, recorded 18 strikeouts, didn’t allow a run and had three saves. He was quickly promoted to Triple-A. The 25-year-old continued his success in 2024 with a 2.40 ERA, 35 strikeouts and 10 saves with the IronPigs.

Keeping Lazar over Marte was an easy call for the Phillies

Marte has struggled for the Phillies in 2024. The right-hander made the Opening Day roster and pitched well in his appearances during March and April. The same can’t be said about his production since then.

Marte bounced back and forth between the majors and Triple-A during the middle of the season. He made one appearance with the Phillies in June and pitched one inning with one run allowed. The 29-year-old had a 7.71 ERA in six appearances in July and followed that up with a 27.00 ERA in three appearances this month. Marte owns a 7.13 ERA in 24 innings pitched with the Phillies this season.

Lazar has done enough to stay on the 26-man roster for now. He likely won’t avoid the chopping block next time around with Ranger Suárez, Spencer Turnbull and Austin Hays all set to return from the IL soon. However, Lazar is making the most out of his opportunity and could be a valuable bullpen piece in the future.