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Phillies Should Look To Balance Bullpen

Originally posted on Last Word On Sports | By Ben Rosen | Last updated Feb 24, 2026 7:53 PM ET

The Philadelphia Phillies need there to be balance in their bullpen. After an offseason trade of Matt Strahm there is a scenario where the Phillies have six right-handed pitchers compared to two left-handed pitchers in their bullpen. Prior to the first spring training games Matt Gelb of The Athletic reported that the Phillies would prefer to have three left-handed relief pitchers. Currently José Alvarado and Tanner Banks are the two left-handed relief pitchers in line to be in the bullpen. However, there is extensive competition for the two open bullpen spots. At least one spot will go to a right-handed pitcher.

With Zack Wheeler in line to start the season on the injured list having a flexible spot will be helpful. Two of the three left-handed pitchers who could fill a spot have no minor league options. Additionally the Phillies have Rule 5 Draft pick Zach McCambley who cannot be optioned to the minor leagues. McCambley is a front runner to get one of the two bullpen spots as a result. If McCambley makes the Opening Day roster, then there will be an interesting series of decisions to be made for the other bullpen spot. This will setup another decision that would come when Wheeler returns from the injured list.

Phillies Third Left-Handed Pitcher Candidates To Balance Bullpen

Kyle Backhus

Backhus has been one of the most outstanding players so far this spring. On Feb. 22 in his first spring training outing Backhus pitched a scoreless inning. Backhus came to the Phillies in an offseason trade with the Arizona Diamondbacks. Last season in the majors Backhus recorded a 0-3 record with a 4.62 ERA and a 4.24 FIP in 32 outings. Backhus also had a 1.42 WHIP along with a 2.75 K/BB rate. To add to that Backhus has a non-traditional pitching motion. The Phillies have lacked sidearm pitchers over the years. Backhus has three minor league option years available. This is an easy way for the Phillies to balance the bullpen.

Génesis Cabrera

Cabrera pitched a scoreless inning in his first spring training appearance as well. If Cabrera is going to make the 26-man roster he will need to be added to the 40-man roster. Additionally Cabrera cannot be optioned to the minor leagues. Last season across stints with four different teams Cabrera had a 0-1 record with a 6.54 ERA and a 6.56 FIP in 40 outings. Cabrera also had in addition to that a 1.50 WHIP with a 1.94 K/BB rate. The 2025 season was a career worst year for Cabrera and with him being a non-roster invitee it will be harder for him to make the 26-man roster.

Tim Mayza

Mayza also pitched a scoreless inning in his first spring training appearance. Furthermore Mayza is also a non-roster invitee. Mayza joined the Phillies at the end of the 2025 season before returning on a minor league deal. Last season Mayza between the Phillies and Pittsburgh Pirates had a 0-0 record with a 3.78 ERA and. a 4.16 FIP in 15 outings. Mayza had a 1.32 WHIP along with a 3.00 K/BB rate. To add to that Mayza recorded a 4.91 ERA and a 5.04 FIP across eight games with the Phillies. Mayza recorded a 1.64 WHIP and a 1.75 K/BB rate in that stint. Additionally Mayza cannot be optioned to the minor leagues.

This article first appeared on Last Word On Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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