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Phillies' Rob Thomson Makes Decision After Jose Alvarado Suspension

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Matthew Sullivan | Last updated May 25, 2025 3:55 PM ET

The Philadelphia Phillies have a bullpen issue, and the suspension of Jose Alvarado makes things significantly worse for the Phillies. While Jordan Romano and others have pitched better lately, there is still a clear need for bullpen help.

With the Phillies looking internally for bullpen help, they might have found an option. During Phillies Postgame Live on NBC Sports Philadelphia, Phillies manager Rob Thomson had high praise for rookie Max Lazar.

"He's always been a guy that really doesn't have a heartbeat," said Thomson. "He just goes out there and does his stuff, and he's got good stuff. The velocity's gone up in the past couple of years, the curveball has always been good, and there's a lot of carry to his fastball. So, he did a great job. He'll come out tomorrow and he'll give us two innings if we need it."

Thomson's praise of Lazar comes after a massive night for the 25-year-old. Lazar had a big outing against the Athletics; he notched his first career save and helped the Phillies win their ninth straight game.

Across Lazar's brief MLB career, he's pitched in 16.2 innings with a 4.86 ERA. He's struck out 11 batters and walked just 3 in his career. Over his past two seasons in the Minor Leagues, Lazar has impressed.

In 2024, Lazar had a 1.87 ERA in 43.1 innings with 56 strikeouts and 10 walks. Ahead of his call-up in 2025, Lazar had a 3.12 ERA in 17.1 innings in Triple-A, striking out 20 and walking 6.

Lazard hasn't been in the Major Leagues for long, but he's seemingly gained the trust of Thomson after his first career save. Since joining the Phillies' farm system in December of 2023, Lazar has steadily risen to the majors.

With Alvarado's suspension, the Phillies need to find multiple relievers. With Thomson's praise of Lazar, the right-hander seemingly has a chance to earn a spot in the bullpen going forward.

Backed by Thomson, Lazar will continue fighting for more opportunities in the Phillies' bullpen. Amid the ever-changing Phillies bullpen, there is an opportunity for Lazar to carve out a solid role for the Phillies.

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

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