The Philadelphia Phillies called up Alan Rangel from Triple-A Lehigh Valley to serve as a fresh arm. Michael Mercado was optioned to Triple-A Lehigh Valley to make room for Rangel. On June 6, Rangel made his major league debut against the Pittsburgh Pirates. Moreover, the Phillies have shuffled their bullpen throughout the month. José Ruiz and Carlos Hernández have been designated for assignment by the Phillies. Mercado was called up as the corresponding move for Hernández being designated for assignment. Ruiz and Hernández are both out of minor league options and, therefore, could not be sent down without clearing waivers. Additionally, Ruiz is with the Atlanta Braves, and Hernández is with the Detroit Tigers.
Phillies Call Up Fresh Arm
Bullpen Carousel
Taijuan Walker moving to the bullpen in a high-leverage role has altered things. Walker will no longer be pitching in a long role. Joe Ross has taken over the long relief role. Rangel pitched three innings in his one appearance. Ross started the game in which Rangel appeared. Mercado has a 15.00 ERA along with an 8.73 FIP in three games this season. To add, Mercado has a 1.00 K/BB rate and a 3.00 HR/9 allowed rate in the majors this year. Walker pitched on consecutive days for the first time on June 20 and June 21. In addition, this contributed to the Phillies calling up Rangel. The Phillies felt they needed a fresh arm.
Look At Performances
Rangel recorded a 6.00 ERA and an 8.73 FIP in that outing. To add, Rangel had a 0.50 K/BB rate in that game. Rangel recorded a 3.00 HR/9 allowed rate in that game. Furthermore, opposing batters had a .300 average and a .250 BABIP against Rangel in that game. Rangel has a 4-2 record with a 4.96 ERA in 14 minor league starts in 2025. To add, Rangel has a 5.25 FIP to go along with a 3.22 K/BB rate in the minor leagues. Rangel has a 1.96 HR/9 allowed rate in Triple-A this year. Opposing batters have a .264 average and a .310 BABIP against Rangel in the minor leagues this season. Rangel can provide length if needed.
Main Photo Credits: Kareem Elgazzar/The Enquirer / USA TODAY NETWORK
The post Phillies Bring Up Fresh Bullpen Arm appeared first on Last Word On Baseball.