The Philadelphia Phillies are set to begin a three-game series against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, at 7:10 p.m. EDT on Monday.
Before Game 1 of the series, news broke that the Phillies are promoting a top pitching prospect.
Philadelphia Phillies Calling Up Top Pitching Prospect Alex McFarlane For Los Angeles Dodgers Series
Via The Athletic’s Matt Gelb on X: “The Phillies are indeed calling up Alex McFarlane, as @mln_x_ said. They need a fresh arm after throwing 208 pitches to get through Sunday; it could be a brief stay for McFarlane like his previous call-up. Phillies could reassess No. 5 starter situation this week.
MLB Pipeline has McFarlane, 25, ranked as the Phillies’ No. 17 overall prospect.
More About Philadelphia Phillies’ Alex McFarlane
The Phillies selected McFarlane in the fourth round (No. 122 overall) of the 2022 MLB Draft out of the University of Miami.
McFarlane began his professional career as a starter. However, he struggled in that role, which led Philadelphia to convert him to a bullpen role.
The right-hander has thrived since being converted to a reliever. In 35 innings over 32 games with Double-A Reading this season, McFarlane has posted a 2.06 ERA with a 1.17 WHIP, .187 opponent batting average and 47 strikeouts.
As Gelb pointed out, this will be McFarlane’s second stint on the Phillies’ 26-man roster. Philadelphia promoted McFarlane back in late April, only to option him back to Double-A Reading a day later. The right-hander has yet to make his MLB debut.
McFarlane has an electric fastball that can reach up to 101 mph. He complements his heater with a solid slider. He also occasionally throws a changeup.
While McFarlane may just be with the Phillies for another short stint, he could find himself as a regular in the bullpen soon if he continues to dominate in the minors.
Philadelphia Phillies Right Now
The Phillies are coming off a 2-1 series loss to the New York Mets.
Philadelphia holds the second NL Wild Card spot with a 55-45 record. The club is also just three games back of the first-place Atlanta Braves in the NL East standings.
Philadelphia Phillies Promoting Top Pitching Prospect For Los Angeles Dodgers Series