Phillies Call Up Minor-League Reliever, DFA Struggling Veteran Reliever

The move comes after the Ruiz had another blow-up outing, this time against the Brewers. In just one inning of work, Ruiz allowed five hits, and five earned runs. While the game was already out of reach, his blow-up outing was another tough outing in his rocky 2025.

On the year, Ruiz has a 8.16 ERA through 14.1 innings. He's struck out 12 batters, and walked 6. The 2025 season was Ruiz's ninth season of MLB experience, and he struggled mightily. Now, the Phillies turn to the Minor League pitcher they got a year ago at the MLB trade deadline.

Johnson was acquired from the Baltimore Orioles in a trade which sent Gregory Soto to Baltimore for Johnson and Moises Chace. While Chace is hurt, and done for the year, Johnson was moved to the bullpen and now gets the call-up to the Major Leagues.

In 2024, Johnson had one start for the Phillies, going 2.1 innings, and allowing 9 earned runs. It was a disastrous debut. But, now in the bullpen, the Phillies and Johnson hope that this new role will suit him well.

In Triple-A, Johnson has a 4.91 ERA in 33 innings. He was a starter to begin the year, but in late April, he switched to the bullpen. Since being moved to the bullpen, Johnson has had a rocky season.

Johnson's first five relief appearances were scoreless outings, including two outings where he went two innings. But, in May, things unraveled.

Across his eight relief appearances in May, and 9.2 innings during the month, Johnson had a 8.38 ERA. While he struck out 14 and walked 4, Johnson allowed batters to hit .372 off him. 

Despite his May struggled, the Phillies elect to call him up for his MLB relief pitching debut. Johnson will wear 51 for the Phillies, and be another right-handed reliever out of the bullpen. He replaces the Ruiz, who's struggles led to him getting designated for assignment.