DUNEDIN, FL – FEBRUARY 16: President of Baseball Operations for the Philadelphia Phillies Dave Dombrowski speaks to the media during the Spring Training Grapefruit League Media Day at Blue Jays Player Development Complex on Thursday, February 16, 2023 in Dunedin, Florida. (Photo by Mike Carlson/MLB Photos via Getty Images)
MLB Photos via Getty Images
The Philadelphia Phillies have long maintained one of Major League Baseball’s best rotations, anchored by ace Zack Wheeler. And even when Wheeler missed the beginning of this season, Cristopher Sanchez emerged as arguably the best starter in the early part of the season.
But even though the team has strength at the front of its rotation, it has struggled to assemble significant depth in the pitching staff. Now that highly touted rookie Andrew Painter has been sent back down to the minors to regroup, the team has decided to try out a veteran arm who recently rejoined the team and could provide that depth.
Philadelphia Phillies Quickly Reunite With Veteran Pitcher After Andrew Painter Demotion
The Phillies’ ongoing search for pitching depth led them to bring back veteran righty Bryse Wilson on Thursday.
“The Phillies announced that they have selected Bryse Wilson and recalled righty Seth Johnson,” MLB Trade Rumors’ Darragh McDonald reported. “Left-hander Tanner Banks was optioned in a corresponding move. There was already one vacancy with righty Andrew Painter being optioned (on Wednesday). The 40-man had a vacancy for Wilson with outfielder Adolis Garcia being placed on the 60-day injured list last week.”
Wilson’s return is not just notable because he gives the Phillies a Bryce (Harper), Bryson (Stott) and Bryse, but also because the veteran right-hander has already experienced multiple transactions with Philadelphia this season.
“Wilson, 28, signed a minor league deal with the Phillies in the offseason,” McDonald added. “He was released in June, perhaps after triggering an opt-out clause, but then re-signed with the club on a new minor league deal. It was reported … that Wilson had triggered an upward mobility clause in that deal.”
Wilson entered professional baseball as one of the more highly regarded young pitchers in the game. The former Atlanta Braves prospect has accumulated parts of eight major-league seasons while pitching for multiple organizations, giving him valuable experience that contenders often seek during the long grind of a season.
Philadelphia Phillies Add 8-Year Veteran To Uneven Bullpen
While Wilson brings a significant amount of experience to the relief corps, he hasn’t been particularly effective in recent seasons.
His latest major-league stint came with the White Sox last season and he logged a 6.65 ERA in 20 games. And he has struggled with the Phillies’ Triple-A affiliate this season as well.
But some potential flexibility may ultimately be the biggest reason for Wilson’s return.
“Wilson hasn’t been great at Lehigh Valley, authoring a 6.29 ERA and 58:21 K over 54.1 frames,” CBS Sports reported. “The 28-year-old will provide bullpen protection after the Phillies had to use six relievers and a position player on the mound in Wednesday’s loss to the (Miami) Marlins. Wilson is also a candidate to fill the rotation spot vacated by Andrew Painter’s demotion, depending on how he’s utilized in the coming days.”
Philadelphia doesn’t necessarily need him to become a frontline starter. Instead, the club needs innings and options while navigating a demanding portion of the schedule.