It's April 24th. Welcome to MLB News Today, powered by AI. I'm Corey with the story. The Phillies just called up right-hander Alex McFarlane from AA Reading for his big league debut.
This move fills a roster spot after they released Tyjuan Walker, optioned Alan Rangel, and brought back Nolan Hoffman. At 25 years old this June, McFarlane's ready to pitch whenever manager Rob Thompson needs him. McFarlane was a fourth-round pick back in 2022. He struggled as a starter in the minors, then had Tommy John surgery late in 2023, sitting out all of 2024.
The Phillies shifted him to relief late last year, and they protected him on the 40-man roster to avoid the Rule 5 draft. Prospect Liz had him around number 14 to 19 in the system, praising his slider spin. He ditched the splitter for more fastball slider work as a reliever. This season at AA, in just six and one-third innings, he's allowed one earned run, fan 10, but walked four with two wild pitches.
The Phillies' bullpens beat up from eight games in ten days, without rest. Starters haven't gone deep lately, and yesterday's 10-inning loss to the Cubs used five relievers. McFarlane brings a fresh arm tonight against the Cubs. With Zach Wheeler set to return Saturday from the injured list, expect McFarlane's day to be short.
He might head right back to Reading, or move up to AAA Lehigh Valley, keeping options open for the stretch run.