Philadelphia Phillies Make Series of Roster Moves Before Saturday's Game

The Philadelphia Phillies (72-50) made a series of transactions on Saturday before their game with the Washington Nationals (55-68). Right-handed pitcher Tyler Phillips was optioned to Triple-A Lehigh Valley, with left-handed pitcher Tyler Gilbert being promoted to take his place. To make room on the 40-man roster, right-handed pitcher Spencer Turnbull was transferred to the 60-day injured list.

Spencer Turnbull

Manager Rob Thomson was quick to point out that Turnbull being transferred to the 60-day injured list does not mean that he will not pitch again this season. Turnbull initially went on the 15-day injured list on June 27th, so the 60 days is almost up.

Thomson said that Turnbull is feeling better after the setback he experienced earlier in the week. The club will have Turnbull return to his throwing program in the coming week.

Tyler Phillips

Phillips started his tenure in a promising fashion. Making his Major League debut in relief, he pitched four innings of one-run ball and struck out seven. This bought Phillips a spot in the starting rotation.

In just his third career start, the Lumberton, New Jersey native would throw a complete game shutout, getting the victory over the Cleveland Guardians (72-50).

He has struggled since that start, however, allowing 17 earned runs over 11 innings in three starts.

Tyler Gilbert

The Phillies acquired Gilbert in May via trade with the Cincinnati Reds (60-62). He has since spent his time in the organization with the Lehigh Valley Iron Pigs, where he has pitched to a 2.06 ERA over 26 appearances.

Thomson stated that Gilbert will serve as a long-man in the Phillies bullpen for the time being, and said that Gilbert is stretched out to three innings.

Gilbert tossed a no-hitter on August 15th, 2021, in his first career Major League start.

The Phillies are unsure at this moment as to who will start Tuesday's series opener against the Atlanta Braves (64-58). Thomson stated that they could bump Wheeler up a day, which would still have him on regular four-day rest, or they could use a bullpen game.