Alexander McFarlane: Everything you need to know

The Phillies recalled McFarlane from Double-A Reading on Friday. McFarlane has moved to the bullpen this season with Reading and posted a 1.42 ERA and 10:4 K:BB over his first 6.1 innings. The hard-throwing right-hander will provide manager Rob Thomson with a fresh bullpen arm, and while he has the upside to eventually work late innings, the 24-year-old will likely be used in lower-leverage spots initially.

The Phillies optioned McFarlane to Double-A Reading on Sunday. McFarlane was awarded a spot on the Phillies' 40-man roster over the winter after turning in a 4.84 ERA, 1.38 WHIP and 82:43 K:BB over 80 innings between Reading and High-A Jersey Shore in his first season back in action following his September 2023 Tommy John surgery.The 24-year-old righty is regarded as one of the more exciting young arms in the Philadelphia system, but he's likely at least a year away from contributing for the big club.