Predicting Phillies’ September call-ups thanks to MLB expanded rosters in 2024

The Major League Baseball season is heading into the final month of the regular season, so that means it’s time for MLB rosters to expand to 28 players. The Philadelphia Phillies have the opportunity to add two impactful minor-league players to help the ball club secure its first division title since 2011.

It’s unlikely that the Phillies will call up any of their top prospects for reasons such as not being on the 40-man roster or not being MLB-ready.

What do MLB expanded rosters look like in 2024?

MLB teams used to be able to call up as many players on the 40-man roster as they wanted, but the rules have changed. Teams are allowed to call up an additional two players on the 40-man roster to expand the roster from 26 players to 28 players.

Teams are also limited to 14 pitchers on the active roster. The Phillies have 13 pitchers on the active roster as of Aug. 29, so it’s likely the NL East leaders add an extra arm for September.

Kolby Allard and Kody Clemens should be the Phillies’ September call-ups

Kolby Allard has made two short stints with the Phillies since signing with the organization before the season. The left-hander was first called up on July 27 and made three appearances, including two starts.

Allard was optioned to Triple-A Lehigh Valley on Aug. 9, but the 27-year-old spent just 16 days in the minors before being recalled to the big leagues on Aug. 25. Allard made the start in the series finale against the Kansas City Royals in which he pitched five innings while striking out five batters. He was optioned back to Triple-A on Aug. 26.

Allard impressed in his limited time with the Phillies this year. The former Atlanta Braves first-round pick is 2-0 with a 3.50 ERA and 13 strikeouts in four appearances. Now that the Phillies have decided to send Taijuan Walker to the bullpen, Allard could re-enter the starting rotation for the remainder of the regular season.

Allard isn't eligible to be recalled until Sept. 10, so the Phillies will have to look elsewhere until his likely return to the majors. The hometown kid from New Jersey, Tyler Phillips, seems like an obvious choice since the right-hander has already appeared in seven games for the Phillies this year, including six starts.

The Phillies could also give 25-year-old right-hander Seth Johnson a chance who was acquired from the Baltimore Orioles in the Gregory Soto trade. Johnson has a 2.50 ERA in 22 starts across three teams in the minor leagues this year, including a 0.90 ERA across his first two starts with Lehigh Valley.

Either way, it will likely be a short stint in the majors for either Phillips or Johnson once Allard is eligible to be recalled.

Kody Clemens, like Allard, has experience at the big-league level. Clemens played in 57 games with the Detroit Tigers in 2022 and has made 73 appearances with the Phillies across the last two seasons since joining the organization.

In 24 games with the Phillies this season, Clemens is slashing .242/.277/.500 with three home runs, nine extra-base hits and 10 RBI in 62 at-bats. He’s a left-handed bat off the bench that can be played around the infield defensively.

Clemens has also been having a solid year in Lehigh Valley for the IronPigs. The 28-year-old is slashing .260/.311/.457 with 11 home runs and 46 RBI. He’s been used at first base, second base, third base, left field and in the designated hitter role for the IronPigs in 2024. Clemens is a solid utility option off the bench who can provide some pop in the lineup.

The Phillies have options on what two players to call up for September. It’s unlikely that one of those spots will be used on an outfielder given the crowded group vying for playing time at the big league level. One spot is almost guaranteed to be a pitcher, and the other spot should be a position player with major league experience who can help the Phillies in their push for the NL East crown.

Honorable Mention: C Rafael Marchán