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Phillies Lose Local Pitcher to NL East Rival

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Mike Ostrowski | Last updated Mar 26, 2025 1:07 PM ET

The Philadelphia Phillies had one last pitching decision to make near the end of spring training.

With Matt Strahm looking like he would be ready for Opening Day and new addition Carlos Hernández arriving from the Kansas City Royals, the club took a risk and designated local righty Tyler Phillips for assignment.

It seems that risk didn't pay off.

According to a report by Fansided's Robert Murray, Phillips will be heading to a divisional foe, the Miami Marlins. It is unknown if the Marlins put in a waiver claim for Phillips or if the Phillies could trade him.

Right-hander Tyler Phillips is going to the Miami Marlins, source says. Phillips was recently designated for assignment by the Philadelphia Phillies.
— Robert Murray (@ByRobertMurray) March 26, 2025

Phillips, a 27-year-old native of nearby Pennsauken, New Jersey, made his major league debut for the Phils last July. He would have great success during his first month, with a 1.80 ERA, 19 strikeouts, and a .195 opponent batting average in 25 innings pitched. Phillips capped off the stretch by throwing a complete game shutout against the Cleveland Guardians on July 27th.

However, Phillips lost his form in August, giving up 17 runs in his next 11 innings, which caused him to be demoted back to the minors.

Phillips was a possibility to make the Phillies this year, but he did not impress the club enough in spring camp, allowing nine runs in 10.2 innings. He is out of minor league options, so their only options with him were hoping he could pass through waivers or be traded.

Now, the guy who grew up an avid Phils fan could end up pitching against them this year.

The Phillies begin their season tomorrow, March 27th, at the Washington Nationals. Zack Wheeler gets the ball for Philly, with first pitch scheduled for 4 pm EST.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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