The Philadelphia Phillies roster continues to be in flux after a series of moves this weekend has drastically reshaped the Phillies depth at the upper minor league levels.
With recent trade deadline acquisition Austin Hays placed on the 10-day IL due to a hamstring strain, the Phillies recalled outfielder Cal Stevenson, optioned pitcher Kolby Allard to Triple-A, recalled Max Lazar, and designated first baseman Darick Hall and pitcher Max Castillio for assignment to create room on the 40-man roster.
Phillies DFA struggling right-hander Nick Nelson to claim starter Kyle Tyler from division rival Marlins
The Phillies continued with that trend on Sunday, as the team announced a pair of roster moves before the Phillies squared off against the Arizona Diamondbacks. The Phillies claimed right-handed pitcher Kyle Tyler off waivers from the Miami Marlins, and optioned him to Triple-A Lehigh Valley. To make room on the roster, the Phillies designated right-hander Nick Nelson for assignment.
The Phillies have claimed RHP Kyle Tyler off waivers from MIA and have optioned him to Lehigh Valley (AAA). To make room for him on the 40-man roster, RHP Nick Nelson was designated for assignment.
— Philadelphia Phillies (@Phillies) August 11, 2024
Nelson came into the season with some expectations of earning a bullpen role and making the occasional spot start. While the 28-year-old saw action in three games for the Phillies this season, he did little to impress in 26 games pitching for Triple-A Lehigh Valley, with a 2-5 record, in addition to a horrific 7.52 ERA this season for the IronPigs.
The Phillies clearly thought they could find better organizational depth elsewhere, and by moving on from Nelson, have claimed a pitcher with recent starting experience and two remaining club options with in Tyler.
Tyler adds additional starting pitching depth
The Phillies were one of the most active teams during the MLB trade deadline at the end of July. While minor injuries to Zack Wheeler and Ranger Suárez headlined the final couple of games before the All-Star break, the Phillies were never reported to be big players in the starting pitching market at any point during the trade deadline.
The Phillies’ way of thinking at the deadline was simple. Suárez could use a little rest, and Taijuan Walker would be back in the middle of August, with Spencer Turnbull not far behind. While the Phillies dealt with injuries to the starting rotation, they used that time to give minor league depth options like Michael Mercado, Tyler Phillips, and Kolby Allard a chance to earn roster spots. And while Mercado and Allard have both been sent back down to Lehigh Valley, it's become clear that Phillips will likely be a part of the Phillies plans over the last two months of the season.
Bringing in Tyler is the latest example of the Phillies’ dedication to casting a wide net for organizational pitching depth.
While the 27-year-old right-hander has split his season between the Miami Marlins’ battered starting rotation and Triple-A Jacksonville, his previous MLB experience makes him a valuable addition down the stretch.
Pitching for the Marlins this season, Tyler was 0-2 with a 5.40 ERA in eight games and 31 2/3 innings pitched. During his last start against the Cincinnati Reds, Tyler gave up three runs while allowing five hits, two walks, and striking out two over 4 1/3 innings in a no decision. At Triple-A this season, Tyler was much better, with a record of 4-2 and a 3.06 ERA in 50 innings. While not a season-defining move, adding Tyler adds some much-needed depth to a Phillies organization that suddenly finds itself searching for more quality arms.