The Philadelphia Phillies have an upcoming bullpen decision to make that marks a turning point in some ways. Ranger Suárez returned from the injured list recently, and the Phillies elected to delay the decision in the process. José Ruiz was placed on the injured list with neck spasms as the corresponding move. Ruiz has started a rehab assignment with Triple-A Lehigh Valley. Once Ruiz is able to return from the injured list the Phillies will need to make a decision unless they kick the can down the road once again. Ruiz pitched a scoreless inning in his first minor league rehab appearance.
Taijuan Walker has unexpectedly pitched well this season which has slightly changed things. Walker moved to the bullpen when Suárez came back. This season Walker has a 1-3 record with a 2.62 ERA, and one save in eight outings. Walker has made six starts and two relief appearances this season. In addition to that Walker has a 3.45 FIP and a 2.21 strikeout-to-walk rate this year. Walker has a 20.8% strikeout rate with a 9.4% walk rate, both of which are improvements relative to the 2024 season. There is not a reason to release Walker for the time being as he has shown improved in multiple major statistical categories.
Phillies Upcoming Bullpen Decision
If The Team Elects To Option Someone
Orion Kerkering and Tanner Banks are the lone Phillies relief pitchers who can be optioned to the minor leagues. Banks is unlikely to be optioned because it would leave the bullpen with two left-handed pitchers. However, Kerkering could be optioned but do not expect it to happen. Kerkering has a 1.69 ERA in May and has seemed to turn a corner after recording a 5.56 ERA across March and April. Additionally, Phillies manager Rob Thomson tends to use Kerkering in high leverage situations. Kerkering and Jordan Romano are the Phillies main right-handed high leverage relief pitchers. Romano has also overcome early struggles this season.
Players Without Minor League Options Who Could Be The Odd One Out
Ruiz and Carlos Hernández are both out of minor league options. Hernández will probably be designated for assignment when Ruiz returns. With that being said most people expected Hernández to be designated for assignment at an earlier point. Ruiz will probably be designated for assignment at some point as well. The Phillies will eventually need to make room for Andrew Painter on the 40-man and 26-man roster. Painter is currently pitching at Triple-A. When Painter comes up a decision will need to be made about the Phillies starting rotation. However, there is still time till that point comes. Painter has a workload plan for this season.
Performance Considerations
Hernández was originally in line for a brief stint with the Phillies. This season Hernández has a 6.75 ERA along with a 6.04 FIP in 16 games. Hernández has a 17.1% strikeout rate and a 12.2% walk rate. Furthermore, Hernández has an abysmal 1.69 HR/9 allowed rate. Opposing batters have a .300 average and a .340 BABIP against Hernández this season. Meanwhile Ruiz has a 4.76 ERA and a 5.04 FIP in 12 games this season. Ruiz has a 1.59 HR/9 allowed rate. To add Ruiz has a 22.4% strikeout rate and a 12.2% walk rate. If the decision is between the two of them keeping Ruiz over Hernández is the way to go.
Main Photo Credits: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images
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