Former Phillies pitcher Tyler Phillips is headed to the Miami Marlins after being designated for assignment by the team just two short days ago, per Robert Murray.
Career with the Phillies
Tyler Phillips, a Lumberton, New Jersey native, only pitched eight games (36.2 innings) in the red pinstripes. In that span, he went 4-1 with a 6.87 ERA, 1.42 WHIP, nine home runs, 28 strikeouts, and a .300 opponent batting average.
He struggled during the last month of the 2024 season and came into Spring Training with the hopes of making it in the Phillies’ bullpen. Unfortunately, after a Spring Training that saw him finish with a 1-3 record, 7.59 ERA, and 14 strikeouts in 10.2 innings pitched, the Phillies decided to designate him for assignment after they claimed Carlos Hernandez from the Kansas City Royals.
Fans should remember his complete-game shutout against the Cleveland Guardians in his third big league start. A storybook beginning for a hometown kid ends with him going to a division rival. It is an unfortunate part of the Major League Baseball business.
Potential role with Miami
When playing for a contending team, leashes are short for players who are at the backend of the roster. If Bryce Harper struggles for a month, he’s not going to be released, traded, or sent down to the minor leagues. If someone like Tyler Phillips, a player who doesn’t have much service time, struggles for a week, he could get that tap on his shoulder saying he’s being designated for assignment.
He is headed to a team that is very early in their rebuild. He will be able to take the time to make mistakes, struggle, and learn how to improve his skills. He started in seven of his eight appearances, so Miami could look to use him as a spot starter or a starter in their rotation at some point during the season. He will most likely start in the bullpen and end up in the rotation.
Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Dyer-Imagn Images
