Overview
- The Phillies reinstated Pop from the 15-day injured list and designated him for assignment to open a 40-man spot for Max Lazar, a move the team announced after Lazar’s activation from the 60-day injured list.
- Pop cleared waivers unclaimed and was outrighted to Triple-A Lehigh Valley before he exercised his right to reject the assignment and elect free agency, the club confirmed Saturday.
- The right-hander had been sidelined since mid-April with a right calf strain and made seven appearances for Philadelphia in 2026, posting a 3.68 ERA across 7.1 innings before the injury.
- Pop’s ability to leave the organization stems from a prior outright in his career that gives veterans the option to refuse subsequent minor-league assignments and become free agents.
- The move removes one bullpen option for the Phillies as they manage short-term relief needs with Lazar available and other pitchers, and it puts Pop on the open market where interest will reflect his recent injury and mixed results.