Overview
- The Phillies recalled right-hander Alex McFarlane for Monday’s series in Los Angeles to ease heavy bullpen usage and he is expected to get his first MLB appearance.
- McFarlane has a 2.06 ERA with 47 strikeouts and a 1.17 WHIP in 35 Double-A innings this season and throws a triple-digit fastball with complementary off-speed pitches.
- He was briefly called up earlier this season but did not appear in a game, making this promotion his most likely opportunity to debut in the majors.
- Philadelphia has thrown an unusually large volume of relief pitches recently, creating an immediate need for a fresh arm that this internal move is intended to fill.
- The club views McFarlane as a short-term, situational reinforcement while it continues to weigh larger roster upgrades and the unsettled No. 5 starter and offensive issues ahead of the trade deadline.