The Philadelphia Phillies overcame one of the worst first innings in recent memory on Tuesday night in Toronto. On Wednesday, the team announced a series of roster moves to reshuffle the pitching staff for the remainder of their six-game road trip.
After throwing batting practice for the Blue Jays and getting shelled for six runs on eight hits while recording just two outs in the opening frame of the Phillies' incredible 10-9 comeback win at Rogers Centre, rookie right-hander Tyler Phillips was optioned to Triple-A Lehigh Valley on Wednesday.
Phillies forced to make roster changes after rookie's implosion against Blue Jays
The team announced the move in conjunction with selecting the contract of right-handed pitcher Nick Nelson from Lehigh Valley. To make room on the 40-man roster, right-hander Michael Rucker was designated for assignment.
Prior to today’s game, the Phillies selected the contract of RHP Nick Nelson from Lehigh Valley (AAA). To make room on the 26-man roster, RHP Tyler Phillips was optioned to Lehigh Valley, and to make room on the 40-man roster, RHP Michael Rucker was designated for assignment.
— Philadelphia Phillies (@Phillies) September 4, 2024
Phillips, who was brought up when rosters expanded on Sunday, had the first crack at the fifth rotation spot after Taijuan Walker's demotion to the bullpen. Needless to say it didn't go well for the 26-year-old. After the first-inning fiasco against the Blue Jays, Phillips has a 17.74 ERA in his last four starts for the Phillies. It's a drastic fall-off from how he began his MLB career — he posted a 1.80 ERA in his first four games (three starts).
Phillips was originally lined up to start Sunday in Miami, but after Tuesday's game, manager Rob Thomson said they need to discuss their plans for Sunday, according to MLB.com's Todd Zolecki.
Nelson, 28, has appeared in three games for the Phillies this season, allowing two earned runs on six hits with five strikeouts in 3 1/3 innings. He last pitched in the majors on April 11 against the Pittsburgh Pirates.
After being designated for assignment and being outrighted to Triple-A in April, Nelson has a 6.30 ERA in 31 games (five starts). He has been pitching better over the last month, however, with a 2.55 ERA in seven games (two starts).
Rucker, 30, came off the IL in late June and has a 6.58 ERA with 36 strikeouts in 26 innings for the Lehigh Valley IronPigs this season. If he clears waivers, he'll be outrighted back to Triple-A.