Tyler Phillips emotional from seeing Phanatic during Phillies debut: 'Used to chase him as a kid'

26-year-old Lumberton, New Jersey native and now Philadelphia Phillies pitcher Tyler Phillips talk about playing for his hometown team and how the Phanatic got him emotional during his first game.

"My first time in a Phillies jersey the Phanatic was there," Phillips said on Monday's 94WIP Afternoon Show with Ike Reese, Spike Eskin and Jack Fritz.

"And I was like getting emotional because I used to chase him as a kid. So, it's awesome every time."

Phillips, who was drafted in the 16th round of the 2015 MLB Draft by the Texas Rangers, was claimed off waivers by the Phillies in July of 2021. He made his MLB debut just over two weeks ago, throwing four innings of relief, striking out seven batters and allowing one run.

In three starts this season now, Phillips has allowed 13 hits and five earned runs in 16.0 innings with 15 strikeouts and just one walk.