Phillies could use lefty reliever on waivers as a José Alvarado replacement 

The Philadelphia Phillies recently placed struggling reliever José Alvarado on the restricted list, and he will be away from the team for an indefinite amount of time. In doing so, it has created a huge hole in the Phillies’ bullpen, leaving Matt Strahm and Tanner Banks as their main lefties.

Just as it happened, the timing couldn’t be any more perfect as a lefty reliever has become available on the market. The San Francisco Giants placed southpaw Taylor Rogers on waivers (subscription required) on Wednesday, as reported by Grant Brisbee and Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic. Could Rogers be a great temporary replacement and perhaps even a solution past this season for the Phillies’ bullpen situation?

Phillies could use lefty reliever Taylor Rogers on waivers as a José Alvarado replacement 

Rogers, 33, has been having one of the best seasons of his career with the Giants in 2024. As one of their mainstays in the bullpen, he has posted a 1-4 record with eight holds, a sparkling 2.45 ERA, 1.21 WHIP and 59 strikeouts in 51 1/3 innings pitched over 54 appearances. With a career 3.36 ERA, 1.17 WHIP and 568 strikeouts in 482 innings over nine seasons in the majors, Rogers is as consistent and reliable as they get.

The Phillies should give serious consideration to Rogers as Alvarado’s replacement for the upcoming stretch run. He has proven to maintain his effectiveness as a reliever for almost the past decade. He is owed about $2.15 million for the remainder of this season and then $12 million in 2025, so the Phillies would be adding another left-handed MLB-caliber relief arm for next season as well.

As ESPN's Buster Olney reports, the New York Mets are a team to watch here, with potential interest in Rogers. The division rival could use the help and make a claim to block other contenders, he said. If the Phillies get the opportunity, they should make a move and hope that other contenders in the league pass on the chance to add Rogers.