Phillies Make Move to Improve Area of Weakness

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Phillies Make Move to Improve Area of Weakness

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Nicholas Covone | Last updated Jul 20, 2026 11:28 AM ET

The Philadelphia Phillies are making a bullpen move prior to the start of a three-game series against the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Lately, the Phillies’ bullpen has been a major weakness, with closer Jhoan Duran standing as the lone reliable arm in the back end.

In the series finale against the New York Mets on Sunday, the Phillies threw a total of 208 pitches, so a call up for a fresh arm was expected.

The team decided to call up the No. 17 prospect Alex McFarlane, who has been receiving a lot of buzz as of late for his performance in Double-A Reading.

Can confirm that the @Phillies are calling up RHP Alex McFarlane to the big leagues. No. 17 prospect had 2.06 ERA, 12.1 K/9, .187 BAA for Double-A Reading. Could provide good boost to #Phillies bullpen. Looks like @MLN_X_ had it first?
— Jonathan Mayo (@JonathanMayo) July 20, 2026

In 32 appearances for the 25-year-old, he posted a 2.06 ERA with 47 strikeouts and 12 saves in 35 innings.

McFarlane sports an electric fastball that tops out at 101 MPH, which he normally pairs with a slider and sweeper to tie up hitters.

McFarlane was called up by the Phillies in April, but did not pitch in his day with the time.

This could be a similar situation, but it is much more likely he will make his debut and the Phillies will try him out with a role in the big leagues.

He could be a huge x-factor for the Phillies bullpen in the second half. Much like Orion Kerkering was at the end of the 2023 season.

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

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