Philadelphia Phillies News

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Aroon Escobar • 2B • Phillies

Aroon Escobar Promoted to High-A

Philadelphia Phillies second base prospect Aroon Escobar is being promoted to High-A Jersey Shore. Escobar is currently considered the No. 13-ranked prospect in the system on MLB.com. Escobar joined the Philadelphia system during the 2022 campaign. Through his first three seasons, Escobar spent all of his time in the Dominican Summer League. After posting a modest .209/.343/.300 line in the DSL during the 2023 season, Escobar took a significant step forward in 2024, posting a much higher .338/.495/.481 slash line. This performance earned him a spot with Low-A Clearwater to open the 2025 season. Through 69 games with Low-A, the infielder held a strong .282/.377/.452 line with 12 doubles, 11 home runs, and 10 stolen bases. Fantasy managers should expect the 20-year-old to spend the remainder of the second half with High-A.

Yesterday

Zack Wheeler • SP • Phillies

Zack Wheeler Almost Perfect in Dominant Performance

Philadelphia Phillies right-hander Zack Wheeler pitched one of the best games of his decorated career in a 3-1 win over the Cincinnati Reds on Sunday. The 35-year-old logged his fifth complete game and his first since 2021, tossing nine innings of one-run, one-hit ball with 12 strikeouts. Aside from an Austin Hays home run in the top of the fifth inning, Wheeler was flawless. Now boasting a 9-3 record, the three-time All-Star has piled up double-digit strikeouts in back-to-back outings, continuing an extraordinary stretch over the past month. In six starts since June 9, Wheeler has thrown 40 innings and yielded three earned runs on 21 hits with 54 strikeouts against seven walks. That superhuman run of pitching has dropped Wheeler's ERA to 2.17 across 116 innings. He has also registered an elite K:BB (148:25) and the majors' fifth-best WHIP (0.84). Wheeler will try to end his remarkable first half on a high note with a road start against the San Diego Padres on Saturday. He punched out 10 Padres in eight shutout innings on June 30.

Yesterday

Aaron Nola • SP • Phillies

Aaron Nola Throws Bullpen Session, Eyes Early August Return

Philadelphia Phillies right-hander Aaron Nola (ankle, rib) threw a bullpen session on Sunday, as he works his way back from a right ankle sprain and a stress fracture in his right rib. Nola has struggled in 2025, going (1-7) with a 6.16 ERA across nine starts. His 1.51 WHIP is a career worst with a 7.3% walk rate that's notably above his career average of 6.4%. If Nola progresses without setbacks, he could return in early to mid-August, rejoining a rotation anchored by standouts Zack Wheeler, Cristopher Sanchez, and Ranger Suarez, all of whom have delivered strong seasons in his absence.

Yesterday

Aidan Miller • 3B • Phillies

Aidan Miller Steals 31st Base on Saturday

Philadelphia Phillies shortstop prospect Aidan Miller went 2-for-4 with a walk, a triple, one RBI, one run scored, and a stolen base for Double-A Reading. Over his last six games, the Phils' second-ranked prospect is 8-for-21 (.381) including two doubles, a triple, a home run, a 5:8 BB:K, and he's stolen a base in five of the six contests. He's now hitting .243 with seven home runs and boasting a .358 OBP thanks to a strong 14.3 percent walk rate, while adding 31 stolen bases over 63 games for Reading. With continued success, the 21-year-old could see some time at Triple-A later this year, and has the tools to be a worthwhile watch in dynasty formats.

2 days ago

Taijuan Walker • SP • Phillies

Taijuan Walker to Rejoin Starting Rotation

The Philadelphia Phillies will reinstert right-hander Taijuan Walker into their starting rotation, according to The Athletic's Matt Gelb, and he'll toe the rubber on Tuesday in San Francisco against the Giants and potentially go four innings. After that, the team will reassess the situation after the All-Star break. The 32-year-old veteran has been solid for the Phils as both a starter and reliever this year, but he hasn't started a game since May 30, which means he's not going to go too deep into the contest next week in the Bay Area. Walker hasn't thrown more than two innings in an outing since his start on May 30 versus the Milwaukee Brewers. Overall, he's outperformed expectations with a 3.64 ERA, 1.32 WHIP, one save, 46 strikeouts and 22 walks in 54 1/3 frames over 19 outings (eight starts). Top pitching prospect Andrew Painter could be called up early in the second half, which would push Walker back to the bullpen.

3 days ago

Seth Johnson • SP • Phillies

Seth Johnson Returning to Major Leagues

Philadelphia Phillies right-handed pitching prospect Seth Johnson was recalled to the major leagues earlier on Friday. In a corresponding move, the Phillies optioned right-handed pitcher Mick Abel to Triple-A Lehigh Valley. Johnson has logged just 6 1/3 total innings in the major leagues throughout his career. In 2024, Johnson allowed nine runs across 2 1/3 innings of work. Earlier this season, the right-hander made his second stint in the majors and allowed one run across four innings. Through 42 2/3 innings of work this season at Triple-A, the right-hander has posted a 4.43 ERA with a 1.59 WHIP. Johnson has been deployed primarily out of the bullpen. He has struck out 53 batters and allowed 26 walks. In 2024, Johnson held a 2.74 ERA across 23 innings of work. In Philadelphia, fantasy managers should expect Johnson to likely have a long relief role in the bullpen. Given his previous production in the majors, he is not expected to carry much fantasy value.

4 days ago

Mick Abel • SP • Phillies

Mick Abel Optioned to Minors

Philadelphia Phillies starting pitcher Mick Abel was optioned to Triple-A on Friday. The Phillies have decided to move Abel back to the minors after he allowed five earned runs during his latest start on Wednesday. The rookie right-hander could use some more work in the minors after allowing nine earned runs over his last two starts. The Phillies have added right-handed relief pitcher Seth Johnson to the active roster. That being said, the Phillies might decide to go with a bullpen-game in the vacant rotation spot next week. Abel isn't someone that needs to be rostered right now given his struggles at the big league level.

4 days ago

Andrew Painter • SP • Phillies

Andrew Painter Concedes Four Runs in Five Innings on Thursday

Philadelphia Phillies pitching prospect Andrew Painter allowed four runs on seven hits and one walk with seven strikeouts across five innings against Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre. The 6'7" right-hander racked up 16 whiffs on 52 swings for the night, but ran into some trouble in the fourth inning when he gave up all four runs. He filled up the strike zone, however, with 65 of his 95 pitches going for strikes. Painter hasn't been quite as dominant at Triple-A compared to some of the lower levels he mowed through, as he holds a 4.57 ERA, 1.43 WHIP, and a 52:19 K:BB in 45.1 innings in 2025. The 22-year-old has great stuff while still developing his command. The Phillies' top pitching prospect could be called up to help reinforce the bullpen with the big league club later on in the season.

4 days ago

Justin Crawford • CF • Phillies

Justin Crawford Tallies Three Hits on Wednesday

Philadelphia Phillies outfield prospect Justin Crawford went 3-for-4 with a double, a walk, and one run scored on Wednesday for Triple-A Lehigh Valley. The Phils' third-ranked prospect is 10-for-21 (.476) over his last five games, including four doubles and a home run, although surprisingly without even a single stolen base. The 21-year-old is sporting a .341/.415/.451 slash line with 26 steals, a .395 wOBA, and a 135 wRC+ through 65 games for the Iron Pigs. The former first-rounder is striking out at just a 17.8 percent clip while drawing walks at an above-average rate of 11.6 percent. As hot as he's been all season, it is somewhat surprising that he hasn't seen a promotion, but so long as he is not dealt before the trade deadline, look for the team to give him a shot in the majors in the second half, bringing with him solid contact skills and speed, which could make for a viable fantasy asset.

4 days ago

J.T. Realmuto • C • Phillies |

Bryce Harper • 1B • Phillies

Bryce Harper, J.T. Realmuto Sitting for Game 2 of Doubleheader

Philadelphia Phillies first baseman Bryce Harper and catcher J.T. Realmuto are both on the bench for Game 2 of the team's doubleheader on Wednesday against the visiting San Diego Padres. Rookie Otto Kemp will start at first base and bat sixth, while Rafael Marchan will do the catching and hit eighth against Padres right-hander Dylan Cease. Harper made his return from the injured list from right-wrist inflammation for the series-opening win on Monday against SD and went 0-for-2 with a walk. He went 1-for-4 with two walks in a 6-4 loss in Game 1 on Wednesday. The Phillies won't overwhelm the two-time MVP right after his return, but he should be back for Friday's series opener against the Cincinnati Reds. Realmuto went 3-for-4 with a double and two runs scored in the Game 1 loss. Realmuto came into the day with just five hits in his last 27 at-bats in seven games since June 22.

5 days ago

Alec Bohm • 3B • Phillies

Alec Bohm Sitting for Matinee Wednesday

Philadelphia Phillies third baseman Alec Bohm is out of the team's lineup for the first game of their doubleheader with the San Diego Padres. Bohm had appeared in all but three games for the Phillies up until this point, so it seems to be just a routine day of rest. It'll be his first game off in over a month. The 28-year-old has been excellent since the start of May, batting .312 (64-for-205) with eight doubles, seven homers, 22 runs scored, and 19 RBI. Teammate Edmundo Sosa will cover the hot corner in his stead and bat eighth.

6 days ago

Zack Wheeler • SP • Phillies

Zack Wheeler Tosses Eight Shutout Innings, Punches Out 10

Philadelphia Phillies starting pitcher Zack Wheeler was masterful on Monday, striking out 10 over eight scoreless innings in a 4-0 victory over the Padres. He picked up his eighth win of the season, allowing six hits and no walks. This was the 35-year-old's third double-digit strikeout performance of the season, and his fourth-straight start of at least eight punchouts. During that span, he's allowed just one earned run over 25 innings. The veteran remains one of the best pitchers in all of baseball and will carry a 2.36 ERA with 136 strikeouts and 25 walks into his next outing, which is currently set to be against the Reds.

7 days ago

Andrew Painter • SP • Phillies

Andrew Painter Won't Pitch in Futures Game

Philadelphia Phillies right-handed pitching prospect Andrew Painter will be on the roster for the MLB Futures Game during the All-Star break, but he will not be pitching. The Phillies want to keep Painter on their plan, according to manager Rob Thomson. Painter is still on the comeback trail after having Tommy John surgery in July of 2023, and although he has already made 13 starts with Single-A Clearwater and Triple-A Lehigh Valley this year, the Phillies are taking it slow with the No. 5 overall prospect in baseball, per MLB Pipeline. The 22-year-old former first-rounder in 2021 should already be stashed in all dynasty/keeper leagues, and he could become a priority addition in redraft leagues as well if he joins Philly's starting rotation in the second half of 2025. Painter currently has a 4.18 ERA, 1.32 WHIP and 57:19 K:BB in 51 2/3 innings on the farm.

7 days ago

Bryce Harper • 1B • Phillies

Bryce Harper Activated and Starting on Monday

The Philadelphia Phillies activated first baseman Bryce Harper (wrist) from the 10-day injured list on Monday and designated third baseman Buddy Kennedy for assignment in a corresponding move, according to MLB.com's Paul Casella. Harper is back at first base and is hitting third for Monday's series opener against the visiting San Diego Padres and right-hander Matt Waldron. The 32-year-old two-time MVP will skip a minor-league rehab assignment despite missing over three weeks with inflammation in his right wrist. Fantasy managers will want to get him back into their starting lineups immediately against a pitcher who he has a solo home run against in five career at-bats. Harper will be returning to a .258/.368/.446 slash line with an .814 OPS, nine home runs, 34 RBI, 32 runs scored and eight stolen bases in his 213 at-bats.

7 days ago

Ranger Suárez • SP • Phillies

Ranger Suarez Tosses Seven Strong Innings in Win

Philadelphia Phillies starting pitcher Ranger Suarez earned his seventh win of the season in a 2-1 victory over the Braves on Sunday. He allowed one run on four hits and one walk while striking out eight over seven innings. This was his fifth consecutive start of at least seven innings pitched with two earned runs or fewer. The 29-year-old was one of the best pitchers in baseball during the first half of 2024 before falling off later in the season, but it looks like he has returned to that elite form here in 2025. After allowing seven earned runs in his first start of the season on May 4, he's allowed only nine runs in his ten starts since. The lefty will carry a 2.00 ERA into his next start, currently set to be against the Reds.

Jun 30

Matt Strahm • RP • Phillies

Matt Strahm Secures Fifth Save

Philadelphia Phillies left-handed reliever Matt Strahm got out of a jam Sunday to pick up his fifth save in a 2-1 win over the Atlanta Braves. Strahm took the reins in the bottom of the ninth inning and allowed a one-out single and a two-out walk. The Braves had the tying run on third after a wild pitch, but Strahm got Stuart Fairchild to fly out to end the game. Strahm didn't record any strikeouts during his 17-pitch inning. The 33-year-old has been shaky of late, having allowed an earned run in four of his past seven appearances. Nevertheless, Strahm and righty Orion Kerkering have emerged as the Phillies' main options for saves in recent weeks. Strahm carries a 3.78 ERA with 37:9 K:BB and a 1.23 WHIP over 33 1/3 innings.

Jun 29

Bryce Harper • 1B • Phillies

Bryce Harper Faces Live Pitching

Philadelphia Phillies first baseman Bryce Harper (wrist) was able to face live pitching during the weekend during their road series against the Atlanta Braves. According to Bill Trocchi of the Associated Press, Harper faced live pitching at Truist Park. This is a significant step for Harper as he is nearing his return from the 10-day injured list. The 32-year-old hit the IL with wrist inflammation on June 7. However, seeing him already begin to face live pitching suggests he could be on the verge of his return. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor his status as he could be eligible to return early in the week. Before his injury, Harper was swinging a hot bat, holding a .327/.400/.519 line with four doubles and two home runs over his last 14 games. While he remains out, fantasy managers should expect Otto Kemp and Alec Bohm to see most of the time at first base.

Jun 29

Andrew Painter • SP • Phillies

Andrew Painter Tallies Five Strikeouts in Latest Outing

Philadelphia Phillies right-handed pitching prospect Andrew Painter tossed 4 2/3 innings of two-run ball in his latest outing with Triple-A Lehigh Valley on Friday evening. Facing Triple-A Buffalo, the top prospect in the Philadelphia system struck out five batters and allowed only one walk. Since allowing six runs on June 4, Painter has begun to turn the corner at Triple-A, tossing 14 1/3 innings to the tune of a 2.51 ERA, 1.26 WHIP, and a 16:7 K:BB. The 22-year-old opened the campaign with Low-A Clearwater but needed only 11 1/3 innings to prove he was ready to join Triple-A. While Painter has missed the previous two seasons recovering from Tommy John, the top prospect appears to be increasing in workload and remains on track to join the majors early in the second half. He remains a strong stash option in all 12-team leagues.

Jun 28

Trea Turner • SS • Phillies

Trea Turner Blasts Two Homers, Steals Base

Philadelphia Phillies shortstop Trea Turner filled up the stat sheet in Friday's 13-0 win over the Atlanta Braves, going 4-for-6 with two homers, a double, and a stolen base. Turner blasted two solo homers and also came around to score on his other two hits. The 31-year-old continues to be a major contributor in fantasy, even if he isn't quite the hitter he once was in his prime. He is batting .302 with 58 runs, 11 homers, 37 RBI, and 20 stolen bases in 331 at-bats this season. With his spot at the top of a dangerous Phillies' lineup secured, expect Turner's five-category production to continue through the rest of the season.

Jun 28

Orion Kerkering • RP • Phillies

Orion Kerkering Takes Loss on Thursday

Philadelphia Phillies reliever Orion Kerkering fell to 5-3 on the season as the team dropped a 2-1 nail-biter against the Houston Astros on Thursday. The right-hander has recently been part of a closer committee for the Phillies, but they summoned him to pitch the bottom of the eighth inning in a 1-1 game. Kerkering allowed two singles, including an RBI knock by Cam Smith, and hit a batter during his inning of work. It was the first time Kerkering yielded an earned run since May 6, ending a 19-game streak. The 24-year-old still owns a quality 2.56 ERA with 29:17 K:BB, 11 holds, and two saves over 31 2/3 innings. Kerkering and Matt Strahm remain the top candidates for saves in the Phillies' bullpen. Jordan Romano has a team-high eight saves, but he hasn't recorded one since May 29.

Jun 27

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