Philadelphia Phillies News

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Zack Wheeler • SP • Phillies

Zack Wheeler Likely to Return in May

Philadelphia Phillies right-hander Zack Wheeler's (shoulder) 2025 season was cut short when he was put on the injured list in August with a blood clot in his right upper extremity. He had a successful thrombolysis removal surgery a day later. It was a disappointing end to another strong season, as Wheeler had a 10-5 record, 2.71 ERA, an elite 195:33 K:BB ratio, and a 0.94 WHIP in 24 starts. On Sept. 23, he had vascular thoracic outlet syndrome surgery. The type of surgery Wheeler had has produced stronger outcomes than the neuronic version that derailed Stephen Strasburg's career. Wheeler is unlikely to be ready by Opening Day next year, but president of baseball operations David Dombrowski said last month that Wheeler is likely to return near the end of May. Wheeler has been a constant at the top of Philly's starting rotation since 2020, but fantasy managers will be skeptical of a pitcher who will turn 36 on May 30 and who is coming off a major surgery.

5 days ago

José Alvarado • RP • Phillies

Phillies Exercise Jose Alvarado's 2026 Option

The Philadelphia Phillies announced on Wednesday that they exercised the $9.5 million club option on left-handed reliever Jose Alvarado (forearm) for the 2026 season. Alvarado will be back with the Phillies next season despite ending the season on the 15-day injured list with a left-forearm strain. The 30-year-old veteran southpaw had a 2025 campaign to forget after being suspended for the first 80 games due to a performance-enhancing drug violation. The Venezuelan reliever appeared in 28 games out of the bullpen and managed to save seven games while producing a 3.81 ERA (3.60 FIP) and 1.31 WHIP with 32 strikeouts and only seven walks in 26 innings pitched. Barring a setback, Alvarado should be ready for the start of spring training in February and should be an important piece at the back end of Philadelphia's bullpen.

Nov 6

Bryce Harper • 1B • Phillies

Bryce Harper "Hurt" by Recent Comments From Dave Dombrowski

Philadelphia Phillies first baseman Bryce Harper said he felt "uncomfortable" by recent comments made by president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski, when Dombrowski wondered aloud about whether Harper could return to an elite level in 2026. "I have given my all to Philly from the start," Harper said. "Now there is trade talk? I made every effort to avoid this. It's all I heard in D.C. (with the Nationals). I hated it. It makes me feel uncomfortable." Harper added that he was "hurt" by Dombrowski's original comments. Dombrowski said it "couldn't be further from the truth" that the Phillies are considering trading Harper this offseason, and that "we love him." The 33-year-old former MVP is signed through the 2031 season, but he posted an .844 OPS in 2025, his lowest mark since 2016. Still, Harper was a productive hitter for the Phils, hitting 27 homers in 132 regular-season games. Harper has a full no-trade clause in his contract, but he didn't negotiate an opt-out clause into his 13-year, $330 million deal.

Oct 28

Bryce Harper • 1B • Phillies

Phillies Aren't Planning to Trade Bryce Harper

Philadelphia Phillies president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski made it clear on Friday that he has no plans to trade first baseman Bryce Harper this offseason. "Bryce Harper's not getting traded," Dombrowski told Jon Heyman of the New York Post. "He's a great player. He's a future Hall of Famer. He's a cornerstone of our franchise, and we look to have him be with us a long, long time." Next season will be Harper's eighth with the Phillies since the former Washington National signed a then-record 13-year, $330 million deal in free agency before the 2019 campaign. Although a World Series title has eluded the Phillies during the Harper era, they won the pennant in 2022 and have earned four straight playoff berths. Harper was not at his best in 2025, the Phillies' second consecutive NL East-winning season, but the two-time MVP was still solidly above average. He slashed .261/.357/.487 with 27 homers, 75 RBI, 72 runs scored, and 12 stolen bases over 132 games and 580 plate appearances.

Oct 24

Zack Wheeler • SP • Phillies

Zack Wheeler Could be Ready for Opening Day in 2026

Philadelphia Phillies president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski said on Foul Territory on Thursday that right-hander Zack Wheeler (shoulder) could have a chance to be ready for Opening Day in 2026, and that they aren't expecting Wheeler to have any setbacks during his recovery this offseason from thoracic outlet surgery. "We're hopeful it'll [his return] be on the front end, which would even get him ready for Opening Day, but right now he's doing very good," Dombrowski said. Wheeler's 2025 campaign ended early because of a blood-clot issue in his right shoulder that required surgery, but he could be ready to go early next year. Before the unique injury, the 35-year-old veteran hurler went 10-5 with a 2.71 ERA, 0.93 WHIP, and 195 strikeouts in 149 2/3 innings pitched over 24 starts. Wheeler has been one of the most consistent starting pitchers in the league since 2021, but there will be more risk than ever with him in 2026.

Oct 24

Otto Kemp • 1B • Phillies

Otto Kemp to Undergo Knee, Shoulder Surgeries

Philadelphia Phillies infielder/outfielder Otto Kemp (knee, shoulder) will undergo two surgeries this offseason. Kemp will have one to repair his left kneecap, and the other to clean out his left shoulder. The 26-year-old played through the knee injury for a few months after suffering the injury in the middle of June. It's unclear when he suffered the shoulder injury, but now he'll get both of the issues resolved. It's unknown if Kemp is going to be ready in time for spring training. His availability isn't a big issue for the Phillies, as Kemp is viewed as more of a depth piece in both the infield and outfield. Kemp slashed .234/.298/.411 with eight home runs and 28 RBI in 62 games with the Phillies in 2025.

Oct 18

Justin Crawford • CF • Phillies

Justin Crawford Not Ready to Play Center Field?

The Philadelphia Phillies aren't convinced that outfield prospect Justin Crawford can play an average big-league center field, and many rival evaluators agree that he is better in left field, according to Matt Gelb of The Athletic. There is more long-term upside from Crawford, but he could rate below Brandon Marsh in center field right now. Crawford's offensive skill set is tailored for center field, so Gelb suggests the Phillies "might have to close their eyes and let it happen." If the 21-year-old can handle center, it would allow the team to use Marsh in the strong side of a platoon in either left or right field. Crawford is listed as the Phils' No. 3 prospect at MLB Pipeline, and he's in line to make his major-league debut in 2026 after slashing a strong .334/.411/.452 with seven home runs and 46 stolen bases at Triple-A Lehigh Valley. Crawford could be a part-time corner outfielder at first, but there's time for him to develop better defensive skills to fit center.

Oct 18

José Alvarado • RP • Phillies

Jose Alvarado Expected to be Back With Phillies Next Year

Philadelphia Phillies president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski said on Thursday that he'd be "surprised" if left-handed reliever Jose Alvarado (forearm) isn't back with the team in 2026, according to Matt Gelb of The Athletic. The Phillies hold a $9.5 million club option on Alvarado for next season and are likely to pick it up, despite the fact that he missed time late in the year with a forearm injury and also served an 80-game suspension for performance-enhancing drugs. The 30-year-old southpaw only appeared in 28 games for the Phillies in relief in 2025 as a result, posting a 3.81 ERA and 1.31 WHIP with 32 strikeouts and seven walks in 26 innings pitched. He also saved seven games in his ninth year in the big leagues and fifth in Philly. It sounds as though Alvarado's forearm injury shouldn't be an issue as it pertains to him being ready for the start of next year.

Oct 17

Nick Castellanos • RF • Phillies

Nick Castellanos Expected to be Traded or Released

According to sources, the Philadelphia Phillies are expected to either trade or release veteran outfielder Nick Castellanos this offseason, per Matt Gelb of The Athletic. President of baseball operations David Dombrowski did not say anything regarding Castellanos during his press conference on Thursday. When asked specifically about Castellanos, Dombrowski said he could not comment on "specific players that are on our roster under contract," but then spent the next 34 minutes doing just that. The Phillies are a team in transition and will be looking to get younger this offseason. The 33-year-old Castellanos, a two-time All-Star, hit .250/.294/.400 with a .694 OPS, 17 home runs, 72 RBI, 72 runs scored, and four stolen bases in 147 regular-season games in his fourth year in Philly in 2025. With the Phillies bullish on Justin Crawford and Otto Kemp in the outfield, and with Harrison Bader potentially re-signing, Castellanos is the odd man out.

Oct 17

Harrison Bader • LF • Phillies

Harrison Bader Sitting Out in Game 3

Philadelphia Phillies outfielder Harrison Bader (groin) is absent from the starting lineup ahead of Wednesday's Game 3 versus the Los Angeles Dodgers. Bader was a game-time decision coming into this game after suffering a groin injury in Game 1. As a result, Bader was out of the starting lineup in Game 2 and will begin this contest on the bench. The expectation is that Bader will be available off the bench once again as a pinch-hitter. In his absence, Brandon Marsh will cover center field and bat fifth versus right-hander Yoshinobu Yamamoto.

Oct 8

Aidan Miller • 3B • Phillies

Aidan Miller Opts for Rest, Pulls Out of Arizona Fall League

Philadelphia Phillies shortstop prospect Aidan Miller will not play in the Arizona Fall League due to "some nagging things physically," according to farm director Luke Murton. The Phillies are choosing rest for Miller after a long season that ended with him at Triple-A Lehigh Valley. Per MLB Pipeline, Miller is Philly's No. 2 prospect, behind only right-hander Andrew Painter. The 21-year-old former 27th overall pick in 2023 played for Double-A Reading and Lehigh Valley this year and hit a combined .264/.392/.433 with an .825 OPS, 14 home runs, 42 RBI, 82 runs scored, and a whopping 59 stolen bases in 116 games. He only spent eight games at Triple-A. It's unclear if Miller will stick at shortstop in the long run or eventually move to third base, but either way, he's a pure hitter with elite speed. If he shows well at Lehigh Valley early in 2026, Miller should be on track to make his big-league debut next season.

Oct 7

Harrison Bader • LF • Phillies

Harrison Bader a Game-Time Decision for Game 3

Philadelphia Phillies outfielder Harrison Bader (groin) is considered a game-time decision ahead of Game 3 of the NLDS, according to manager Rob Thomson. Bader suffered a left groin injury during Game 1 of this series on Saturday. As a result, Bader was out of the starting lineup in Game 2, but came off the bench as a pinch-hitter. He delivered a clutch ninth-inning single, but it wasn't enough as the Los Angeles Dodgers still secured the victory. Bader would likely be available as a pinch-hitter once again if he doesn't start on Wednesday. Brandon Marsh figures to start in center field if Bader is unable to play.

Oct 7

Aaron Nola • SP • Phillies

Aaron Nola to Start Game 3 of NLDS Against Dodgers

Philadelphia Phillies right-hander Aaron Nola will start Game 3 of the National League Division Series on Wednesday in Los Angeles against the Dodgers, according to manager Rob Thomson. Left-hander Ranger Suarez is in line to pitch behind Nola out of the bullpen, according to Matt Gelb of The Athletic. Nola will be tasked with trying to keep Philly's season alive after they lost the first two games of the best-of-five series in Philadelphia. The 32-year-old veteran will have a short leash in the starting role in a game the Phillies must win. Although Nola's 2025 campaign was a nightmare overall -- he went 5-10 with a 6.01 ERA and 1.35 WHIP in just 17 starts -- he finished the regular season in much better form on the mound. In his lone start against the Dodgers back on April 5, Nola took the loss by allowing three earned runs in six innings with seven hits allowed (two homers), one walk, and only two strikeouts.

Oct 7

Harrison Bader • LF • Phillies

Harrison Bader Not in Lineup for Game 2 of NLDS on Monday

Philadelphia Phillies outfielder Harrison Bader (groin) is not in the starting lineup for Game 2 of the National League Division Series on Monday against the visiting Los Angeles Dodgers at Citizens Bank Park. Left-groin tightness was the reason Bader was pulled from the Game 1 loss to L.A. on Saturday. The 31-year-old veteran will not start on Monday, but he could be available to pinch hit at some point, which means he's likely day-to-day and could be back in the starting lineup for Game 3 back in Los Angeles. With Bader sidelined, Otto Kemp will make the start in left field and will hit ninth in the batting order against Dodgers left-hander Blake Snell. Kemp hit just .234 (46-for-197) on the season with eight homers. He hit .231 (15-for-65) with four of his eight long balls in 74 plate appearances against lefties in 2025. Kemp won't be a popular DFS play on Monday out of the nine-hole.

Oct 6

Harrison Bader • LF • Phillies

Harrison Bader Could Play in Game 2 of NLDS

Philadelphia Phillies outfielder Harrison Bader (groin) left a 5-3 loss to the Los Angeles Dodgers in Game 1 of the NLDS on Saturday with groin tightness. After Bader underwent an MRI, manager Rob Thomson told reporters that he did not suffer a tear or a strain. As a result, depending on how Bader responds to treatment, he could play Game 2 on Monday against left-hander Blake Snell. Bader, who was hit by a pitch and had a sacrifice fly in two trips to the plate Saturday, was a key cog for the Phillies in the regular season after they acquired him from the Minnesota Twins on July 31. He took over as the Phillies' starting center fielder and slashed .305/.361/.463 with five homers, 16 RBI, and 30 runs scored over 50 games and 194 plate appearances. Thomson said left fielder Brandon Marsh will "probably" start in center if Bader has to miss time. Nick Castellanos, Max Kepler, Otto Kemp, and Weston Wilson would comprise the Phillies' corner outfield options with Marsh in center.

Oct 5

Harrison Bader • LF • Phillies

Harrison Bader Exits Game 1 with Groin Injury

Philadelphia Phillies outfielder Harrison Bader (groin) was forced to make an early exit from Saturday's Game 1 against the Los Angeles Dodgers. Bader was pulled out for Nick Castellanos in the seventh inning for what was believed to be a hamstring injury. Now, the Phillies are saying Bader exited the contest due to groin tightness. He had a sacrifice fly and was hit by a pitch before exiting the contest. Bader will undergo an MRI, so more information should be known after that. The hope is that Bader can return at some point during the series. Brandon Marsh and Castellanos figure to see more playing time if Bader misses time. His next chance to play will be in Game 2 on Monday.

Oct 5

Jesús Luzardo • SP • Phillies

Jesus Luzardo Named Game 2 Starter

Philadelphia Phillies starting pitcher Jesus Luzardo has been named the starting pitcher for Game 2 of the NLDS. After a 5-3 loss to the Los Angeles Dodgers on Saturday, the Phillies will need Luzardo to get them a big win on Monday. This season, Luzardo registered a 3.92 ERA, 1.22 WHIP, and a 216/57 K/BB ratio across 32 starts. There have certainly been some blowups for Luzardo, but he has mostly been solid. His latest outing he threw seven shutout innings with 10 strikeouts on September 24. The high strikeout numbers give him good DFS value for Monday's slate.

Oct 5

Ranger Suárez • SP • Phillies

Ranger Suarez Exits Early With Thigh Contusion in Loss

Philadelphia Phillies left-hander Ranger Suarez (thigh) exited a 5-0 loss to the Minnesota Twins on Saturday with an inner-thigh contusion on his left leg. Suarez departed in the fifth inning after Twins catcher Ryan Jeffers struck him with a 106 mph line drive, but there's no concern that he'll miss any postseason action. The Phillies have locked up the No. 2 seed in the National League, meaning they're off until the NLDS begins on Oct. 4. Suarez could pitch Game 2 on Oct. 6, when he'll look to bounce back from a rough outing on Saturday. He allowed three earned runs on nine hits with four strikeouts and no walks in 4 1/3 innings. The 30-year-old still enjoyed arguably his best regular season as a full-time starter. Over 157 1/3 frames, Suarez went 12-8 with a 3.20 ERA, a 1.22 WHIP, 151 strikeouts, and 38 walks.

Sep 28

Trea Turner • SS • Phillies

Trea Turner to Return on Sunday

Philadelphia Phillies shortstop Trea Turner (hamstring) will come off the 10-day injured list before the team's regular-season finale against the Minnesota Twins on Sunday. Manager Rob Thomson said the plan is to give Turner a few innings at shortstop as the second-seeded Phillies gear up for the playoffs. They've gone about three weeks without Turner, who strained his right hamstring in a loss to the Miami Marlins on Sept. 7. The three-time All-Star is in position to win his second National League batting title and has slashed .305/.356/.458 with 15 homers, 69 RBI, 94 runs scored, and 36 stolen bases in 140 games and 637 plate appearances.

Sep 28

Max Kepler • LF • Phillies

Max Kepler Out Again on Saturday

Philadelphia Phillies outfielder Max Kepler (illness) will sit out a second straight game on Saturday against the Minnesota Twins. Kepler hasn't played since he exited a win over the Miami Marlins with an illness on Thursday. If Kepler returns Sunday, he'll try to get out of a 2-for-27 slump before the playoffs begin. The 32-year-old ex-Twin has struggled to a .215/.300/.384 line with 17 homers, 51 RBI, 57 runs scored, and three stolen bases in 471 plate appearances this season. Nick Castellanos will take Kepler's place in right field and bat seventh on Saturday against right-hander Mick Abel, formerly a member of the Phillies.

Sep 27

Philadelphia Phillies News

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