Philadelphia Phillies News

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Bryson Stott • 2B • Phillies

Bryson Stott Sitting Again on Monday Against Southpaw

Philadelphia Phillies second baseman Bryson Stott will get a breather on Monday in the series opener against the division-rival Washington Nationals at Citizens Bank Park. Veteran infielder Edmundo Sosa made the start at the keystone and is hitting sixth for the Phillies with Stott starting on the bench against left-hander Foster Griffin. It's the second straight day on the bench for Stott against a left-handed starting pitcher. If that continues, it will obviously be bad news for Stott and his fantasy managers in 2026. The 28-year-old former 14th overall pick in 2019 out of the University of Nevada has gotten off to a nice start at the plate in his first three games, though, going 3-for-8 (.375) with an RBI and a stolen base. Stott really struggled against southpaws in 2025, going 25-for-111 (.225) against them with a .575 OPS and just one of his 13 home runs on the season.

22 hours ago

Zack Wheeler • SP • Phillies

Zack Wheeler Looks Sharp in Rehab Start

Philadelphia Phillies starting pitcher Zack Wheeler (shoulder) looked solid on the mound during his first minor-league rehab start with Triple-A Lehigh Valley on Saturday. The right-hander tossed three innings, allowing two hits, one walk, and striking out three batters. The plan was for Wheeler to throw 45 pitches, but he only needed 38 to get through three innings. Now, the next step is for Wheeler to make another rehab start against Triple-A Durham. After that, Wheeler will make a start at Double-A Reading. The 35-year-old is currently working his way back after undergoing surgery in September. The timetable for Wheeler's return isn't clear, but his season debut should be sometime in April. Wheeler should be stashed in all fantasy formats.

2 days ago

Zack Wheeler • SP • Phillies

Zack Wheeler to Make at Least Three Rehab Starts

Philadelphia Phillies right-hander Zack Wheeler (shoulder) will make his first minor-league rehab start with Triple-A Lehigh Valley on Saturday. Matt Gelb of The Athletic reports that Wheeler will make another rehab outing on Friday against Triple-A Durham, then another one at Double-A Reading. It's possible that Wheeler would make a fourth rehab outing after that, but it's not set in stone. Wheeler is scheduled to throw three innings and/or 50 pitches in his start on Saturday for the Iron Pigs. It's the first game action for the 35-year-old veteran since he underwent surgery for venous thoracic outlet syndrome in September. It's a unique surgery to come back from, which makes Wheeler more risky as a fantasy commodity in 2026, but all reports on his rehab have been very positive this spring. Before his injury in 2025, Wheeler was operating as a fantasy ace once again. Even though he carries more risk, Wheeler should be stashed in all formats, and he could make his season debut in April.

3 days ago

Justin Crawford • CF • Phillies

Justin Crawford Knocks Two Hits in MLB Debut

Philadelphia Phillies outfield prospect Justin Crawford went 2-for-4 in his MLB debut. The team's No. 1 outfield prospect knocked two singles and scored a run off an Alec Bohm home run. Crawford broke camp as the team's starting center fielder and appears to be transitioning well to the major leagues. In camp, the former first-round selection held a .250/.291/.346 line with three stolen bases. Last summer, Crawford spent the entire campaign at Triple-A Lehigh Valley and performed at a high level, carrying a .334/.411/.452 line with 23 doubles, seven home runs, and 46 stolen bases. Fantasy managers should continue to view Crawford as a solid No. 4/No. 5 outfielder in standard category leagues, given his high-end contact skills and elite speed. He should remain penciled in as the team's center fielder for the foreseeable future.

4 days ago

Cristopher Sánchez • SP • Phillies

Cristopher Sanchez Makes a Statement on Opening Day With 10 Strikeouts

Philadelphia Phillies left-hander Cristopher Sanchez picked up where he left off in 2025 with six shutout innings, no walks, and 10 strikeouts on Thursday in the team's 5-3 Opening Day win over the visiting Texas Rangers at Citizens Bank Park. Sanchez was masterful and allowed only three hits (one extra-base hit) on the day. The Rangers did hit some balls hard, but they didn't have anything to show for it and were unable to draw a single base-on-balls in the contest. The 29-year-old Dominican lefty has emerged as one of the best arms in baseball in the last couple of seasons. Sanchez was a first-time All-Star in 2024 and then backed it up by finishing second in the National League Cy Young race last year with a 13-5 record, career-best 2.50 ERA, 1.06 WHIP, and a 212:44 K:BB in 202 innings over 32 starts. Not only does Sanchez have plenty of strikeout upside, but he also rarely walks hitters, making him an elite No. 1 fantasy starter. You'll want him in all lineups when he faces the Nationals in his second start of the 2026 season next week.

4 days ago

Alec Bohm • 3B • Phillies

Alec Bohm Suing his Parents Over Financial Reasons

The Philadelphia Inquirer's Nick Vadala reports that Philadelphia Phillies third baseman Alec Bohm is suing his own parents, alleging that they mismanaged his finances. It wasn't weighing too heavily on Bohm during the Phillies' Opening Day win on Thursday over the Texas Rangers, as he went 1-for-3 at the plate with a three-run home run and a walk in the 5-3 victory. It's unfortunate that the 29-year-old is going through personal issues involving money with his own family, but it shouldn't negatively affect his performance on the field in 2026, in what is his seventh year in the big leagues. Bohm was a first-time All-Star in 2024 and has hit at least .280 in three of the last four seasons. The power just hasn't been there for a third baseman in fantasy, though, as Bohm's career high in homers came in 2023 with 20. Still, he's plenty useful for his high batting average and run production in one of the best lineups in baseball. Bohm has 90-plus RBI in two of the last three years.

4 days ago

Zack Wheeler • SP • Phillies

Zack Wheeler to Throw Three Innings in Rehab Start

Philadelphia Phillies right-hander Zack Wheeler (shoulder) threw a bullpen session on Thursday at Citizens Bank Park and is expected to go three innings/50 pitches during his minor-league rehab start on Saturday at Triple-A Lehigh Valley, according to Corey Seidman of NBC Sports. Wheeler is making good progress in his recovery from surgery last September for venous thoracic outlet syndrome, and this will be his first game action since going under the knife. If everything goes according to plan during his rehab assignment in the minors, Wheeler could come off the IL and make his 2026 season debut in mid-April. The 35-year-old veteran is more of a risk in fantasy baseball going into his 12th season while coming off unique surgery, but Wheeler's high-end upside when healthy is too hard to ignore. He should not be available on any waiver wires to begin the year. The three-time All-Star had a 2.71 ERA, 0.93 WHIP, and 195:33 K:BB in his 24 starts last year before being shut down.

5 days ago

Justin Crawford • CF • Phillies

Justin Crawford Batting Ninth in MLB Debut on Thursday

Philadelphia Phillies rookie outfielder Justin Crawford is starting in center field and batting ninth for the Phillies in his major-league debut on Thursday on Opening Day against the visiting Texas Rangers and right-hander Nathan Eovaldi, according to MLB.com. Crawford earned a spot on the team's Opening Day roster after hitting .250 (13-for-52) with no homers, two RBI, 10 runs scored, three steals, two walks, and 12 strikeouts in 18 Grapefruit League games. The 22-year-old former 17th overall pick in 2022 has the opportunity to become the team's long-term option in center field after slashing .334/.411/.452 with seven home runs and 46 stolen bases at Triple-A Lehigh Valley in 2025. There's very little pop to be had here, and Crawford's counting stats might leave a lot to be desired while hitting at the bottom of the batting order, but his plus-plus speed should play as long as he's in the Phillies' lineup regularly.

5 days ago

Aidan Miller • 3B • Phillies

Aidan Miller Still Dealing With Back Issue

Philadelphia Phillies shortstop prospect Aidan Miller (back) likely won't be ready for Opening Day at Triple-A Lehigh Valley due to an ongoing back issue. The Phils' top-ranked prospect dealt with a back injury late last year that prevented him from participating in the Arizona Fall League, and it has lingered into 2026, resulting in Miller being unable to play in any Grapefruit League games before being reassigned to minor league camp in mid March. Unfortunately, the organization has not yet provided a timetable for his return, so it's not clear when he's expected to make his 2026 debut. The 21-year-old could make his major league debut later this year if he gets going at Triple-A once he returns, and will be a top stash candidate once healthy.

7 days ago

Zack Wheeler • SP • Phillies

Zack Wheeler to Start Rehab Assignment on Saturday

Philadelphia Phillies right-hander Zack Wheeler (shoulder) has done so well in his rehab this spring that he will officially begin a minor-league rehab assignment on Saturday and throw three innings at Triple-A Lehigh Valley, according to Matt Gelb of The Athletic. Wheeler got the green light to start a rehab assignment this weekend after feeling good during a 29-pitch simulated game in camp on Monday. The 35-year-old veteran had surgery for venous thoracic outlet syndrome on Sept. 23, but he has looked great while ramping up this spring, and the Phillies are optimistic that he will be able to make his 2026 debut before the end of April. The Phillies already announced that Wheeler will start the season on the 15-day injured list. Although Wheeler is more of a risk in fantasy baseball drafts this spring, his ADP continues to rise with all of the reports on his rehab being excellent. RotoBaller has him currently ranked as the No. 26 fantasy starting pitcher.

Mar 23

Zack Wheeler • SP • Phillies

Zack Wheeler Throws Simulated Game on Monday

Philadelphia Phillies right-hander Zack Wheeler (shoulder) threw 29 pitches in two innings on a back field in camp on Monday in a simulated game against low-level minor-league hitters with no outfielders and the catcher calling balls and strikes, according to Matt Gelb of The Athletic. Wheeler "let it rip in the second inning" and was happy with the results. He will be with the team in Philadelphia on Opening Day this week and remains on schedule to come off the injured list to make his 2026 debut at some point in April. Wheeler had surgery last September to fix venous thoracic outlet syndrome, which is why he did not pitch at all during spring training this year. His fantasy ADP has continued to rise this spring with positive reports continuing to come in during his rehab. The 35-year-old veteran is a three-time All-Star and has been a fantasy ace for most of his six seasons in Philly. Wheeler is more of a risk in 2026 coming off a unique injury, but the upside is tantalizing if he can return to his pre-injury form.

Mar 23

Andrew Painter • SP • Phillies

Can Andrew Painter Deliver on his Sleeper Potential?

Philadelphia Phillies pitching prospect Andrew Painter has made the team's starting rotation to open 2026. Once considered one of the very best prospects in all of baseball, Painter posted a ridiculous 38.7% strikeout rate across 103 2/3 minor league innings as a 19-year-old in 2022. However, he missed the entirety of both 2023 and 2024 due to Tommy John surgery. Painter struggled upon his return to the mound in 2025, recording a 5.26 ERA and 1.55 WHIP with 111 strikeouts across 106 2/3 innings at Triple-A. The soon-to-be 23-year-old logged a 2.31 ERA and 0.77 WHIP across 11 2/3 innings this spring, but he also recorded just eight strikeouts. Still, Painter's performance was enough for him to win a role with the big-league club to open 2026. Phillies' ace Zack Wheeler (shoulder) could return to the team's rotation as soon as late April, which could mean Painter's MLB time is limited. On the other hand, Painter may simply need to out-pitch Phillies veteran right-hander Taijuan Walker, who owns a 4.88 ERA and 1.43 WHIP across 480 innings over the last three seasons for Philadelphia.

Mar 23

Daniel Robert • RP • Phillies

Daniel Robert Released From Hospital After Cardiac Event

Philadelphia Phillies right-handed reliever Daniel Robert (chest) was released from the hospital on Sunday and is feeling OK after a cardiac event in the morning at BayCare Ballpark, according to Todd Zolecki of MLB.com. The 31-year-old veteran collapsed on the pitcher's mound following his first bullpen session since October, when he suffered a cardiac event during another bullpen session. Over the winter, he had an implantable cardioverter defibrillator placed near his chest. He boarded an ambulance under his own power. "It was very scary, but he's fine," manager Rob Thomson said. In just his second major-league season in 2025, Robert allowed seven runs (six earned) on 11 hits (two homers) while walking 10 and striking out 15 in 13 innings over 15 appearances out of the bullpen for the Phils. It's safe to say that Robert will not be ready for the start of the 2026 regular season as he tries to get his cardio situation under control.

Mar 22

Justin Crawford • CF • Phillies

Justin Crawford Could Emerge as an Elite Speed Threat in 2026

A first-round pick in the 2022 MLB Draft, Philadelphia Phillies outfield prospect Justin Crawford has made the team's 2026 Opening Day roster and has a chance to emerge as the Phillies' long-term answer in center field. Across 506 plate appearances at Triple-A in 2025, Crawford slashed .334/.411/.452 with seven home runs, 47 RBI, 88 runs scored, and 46 stolen bases. Crawford posted an exceptionally high 59.4% ground ball rate in the minors last year, so he is almost certain to be a negative in the power categories for fantasy managers. However, the 22-year-old has elite speed. If he can turn enough ground balls into hits to stick in the Phillies' everyday lineup, Crawford could easily rack up 30-plus stolen bases as a rookie. His profile comes with some extreme strengths and weaknesses, but Crawford has a clear carrying tool that makes him an intriguing late-round target for fantasy managers.

Mar 22

Dylan Moore • 2B • Phillies

Dylan Moore, Phillies Agree on Major-League Deal

Utility man Dylan Moore and the Philadelphia Phillies agreed to an undisclosed major-league deal on Saturday, league sources told Will Sammon of The Athletic. Moore triggered the opt-out clause in his previous contract earlier this week, but he's now back with the organization and is expected to be on the team's Opening Day roster. The 33-year-old veteran recently fouled a ball off his foot during spring training, but it wasn't serious, and he should be fine for Opening Day on Thursday. The former seventh-round pick by the Texas Rangers in 2015 out of Central Florida will mostly be a bat off the bench for the Phillies in 2026, limiting his fantasy appeal to deeper leagues for his speed primarily. Moore struggled with a .201/.267/.374 slash line, .642 OPS, 11 home runs, 25 RBI, and 14 steals in 2025 with the Mariners and Rangers, but he did have a career-high 32 stolen bases in 2024 and is worth a bench stash in NL-only leagues for his speed on the basepaths. UPDATE: Moore is back in the Grapefruit League lineup on Sunday against the Yankees.

Mar 22

Cristopher Sánchez • SP • Phillies

Phillies Sign Cristopher Sanchez to a Six-Year Extension

The Philadelphia Phillies and starting pitcher Cristopher Sanchez have agreed to a six-year extension with $107 million guaranteed, according to Matt Gelb of The Athletic. The deal spans from 2027 through 2032, taking effect after he earns his existing $3.5 million salary in 2026. The new extension also offers the Phillies a potential extra year of control with a club option for the 2033 season. This pact reflects the Phillies' desire to preserve Sanchez as their ace long-term. As it stands, Sanchez is the front line of a very strong Phillies rotation that also features Aaron Nola, Jesus Luzardo, Taijuan Walker, and Andrew Painter. The left-hander was absolutely stellar in 2025, finishing as the National League Cy Young runner-up and an MVP finalist with a 2.55 FIP, 9.45 K/9, 1.96 BB/9, and a 58.3% ground ball rate across 32 starts. He currently ranks #4 among starting pitchers in RotoBaller's latest fantasy baseball rankings for 2026.

Mar 22

Tim Mayza • RP • Phillies

Tim Mayza Signs a Major League Contract with the Phillies

The Philadelphia Phillies have signed relief pitcher Tim Mayza to a one-year deal, according to Jeff Skversky of FOX29. Mayza had already been in camp with the Phillies, but he had asked to be released from his minor league contract. Ultimately, the Phillies wanted Mayza on their Opening Day roster, so they brought him back on a major league contract. It's a rewarding outcome for the veteran reliever after he posted a 3.75 xFIP with 10 strikeouts and two walks across 8.1 innings of work in spring training. He offers the Phillies' bullpen a reliable veteran left-handed presence. Philadelphia's bullpen is projected to open the year with four lefties and four righties.

Mar 22

Justin Crawford • CF • Phillies

Justin Crawford Makes the Phillies' Opening Day Roster

Philadelphia Phillies outfielder Justin Crawford has been informed that he made the Opening Day roster, according to Kiley McDaniel of ESPN.com. Crawford is regarded as one of the premier prospects in the Phillies' farm system, and his promotion to the majors comes after he spent the entire 2025 season in Triple-A. In the minors last year, he slashed a whopping .334/.411/.452 with seven home runs, 46 stolen bases, an 11.5% walk rate, an 18.0% strikeout rate, and 135 wRC+. His stats came back down to earth against MLB-caliber pitching this spring, but he still posted a respectable .277/.320/.383 slash line in spring training. Crawford represents the long-term future of the Phillies' outfield, and we wouldn't be surprised to see him start in center field on Opening Day.

Mar 21

Cristopher Sánchez • SP • Phillies

Cristopher Sanchez to Start on Opening Day for Phillies

Philadelphia Phillies left-hander Cristopher Sanchez will start on Opening Day for the Phillies on Thursday, March 26, against the Texas Rangers and right-hander Nathan Eovaldi, according to Scott Lauber of The Philadelphia Inquirer. Sanchez will get the nod with right-hander Zack Wheeler (shoulder) opening the season on the injured list. The 29-year-old Dominican left-hander earned the Opening Day nod by leading the league with an 8.0 WAR while going 13-5 with a 2.50 ERA (2.55 FIP), 1.06 WHIP, and 212:44 K:BB in 202 innings over 32 starts in his fifth year in the big leagues. Sanchez was a first-time All-Star in 2024, too, as he began to establish himself as a high-end fantasy starting pitcher on one of the better teams in baseball. He was one of just three starters in 2025 to work at least 200 innings. Sanchez has taken the leap and is now a top-five fantasy starting pitcher going into the 2026 campaign. Fantasy managers will start him with confidence in his first outing of the year against Texas.

Mar 20

Andrew Painter • SP • Phillies

Andrew Painter Makes Phillies Opening Day Roster

Philadelphia Phillies right-handed pitching prospect Andrew Painter has been told that he has made the team's 2026 Opening Day roster, as expected, according to Scott Lauber of The Philadelphia Inquirer. Painter will start the Phillies' fifth game of the season on Tuesday, March 31, against the division-rival Washington Nationals. That will be the 22-year-old's major-league debut as well. Painter was a high-end pitching prospect from the day the Phillies took him 13th overall in 2021. Unfortunately, his 2023 and 2024 seasons were wiped out due to Tommy John surgery. Painter began to work his way back last year in the minors and looked good, but he ultimately never made the leap to the big leagues. Painter's stuff has been on point this spring, and he allowed three earned runs while walking only one and fanning five in 7 2/3 Grapefruit League innings. The sky is the limit for Painter as he embarks on his first major-league season, but he'll need to be pitching well early on to keep his rotation spot when Zack Wheeler (shoulder) is ready to return at some point next month.

Mar 20

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