DETROIT, MICHIGAN – JUNE 25: The Philadelphia Phillies logo is pictured on a hat during the game against the Detroit Tigers at Comerica Park on June 25, 2024 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Nic Antaya/Getty Images)
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After the Philadelphia Phillies endured some criticism for bringing back largely the same group of veteran stars for this season and then falling behind in the division, the team answered with a big move.
Though the Phillies are still relying on roster staples like Bryce Harper, Kyle Schwarber and Zack Wheeler, the team did cut ties with long-time manager Rob Thomson and promote bench coach Don Mattingly to take the helm.
And the Phillies could also be willing to shuffle the bullpen this season as they search for the right mix of arms that can bring an elusive World Series championship.
“Jose Alvarado’s ERA is above six. Tanner Banks and Jonathan Bowlan have been bad. Kyle Backhus and Zack Pop are hurt,” Evan Macy noted for Philly Voice. “It’s kind of floated under the radar with so many other things going on with this team, but the Phillies might want to start looking into promoting some of their top young arms, or trading for some bullpen help. With the offense steady and the starting pitchers playing well, the bullpen could become an Achilles heal quickly.”
Former Philadelphia Phillies Pitcher Joe Ross Cut From New Team After Just 3 Games
The Phillies’ bullpen has been a point of contention for fans in recent years, as the team has rotated through an ongoing cast of rejected relievers. Now the team has gotten an update on one of those recent members, as Joe Ross was released by the Arizona Diamondbacks after a very short stint.
“Ross signed a minor league deal with the Snakes over the winter and cracked the Opening Day roster,” Steve Adams wrote for MLB Trade Rumors. “He pitched only 3 2/3 innings before being designated for assignment, at which point he cleared waivers, elected free agency and returned to the organization on a new minor league contract.”
Now, according to the official transaction log, Ross has been let go by the Diamondbacks organization entirely. In 21 minor-league innings with the team’s Triple-A affiliate, he had a 4.71 ERA. And in the three games he pitched in with the big-league team, Ross had a 19.64 ERA, giving up eight earned runs.
Philadelphia Phillies’ Former Veteran Reliever Returns To Free Agency
Phillies fans will remember that Ross also struggled in his stint with their favorite team last year, logging a 5.12 ERA across 51 total innings of relief. But despite his struggles continuing into this season, Ross has found a new home with the Texas Rangers organization.
“The Rangers haven’t specified what type of role Ross will fill. He’ll head to Triple-A Round Rock and presumably continue to operate at least as a long reliever — if not a member of the rotation,” Adams reported.