Overview
- The Phillies announced Thursday that right-hander Brad Keller has a torn ulnar collateral ligament in his right elbow and is expected to miss the remainder of the 2026 season.
- The team placed Keller on the 15-day injured list retroactive to July 13 and recalled right-hander Seth Johnson from Triple-A Lehigh Valley to take his roster spot.
- Keller said he will seek a second opinion from specialist Dr. Keith Meister and the club has not announced a treatment plan; if he requires Tommy John surgery he could miss a large portion or all of the 2027 season.
- Interim manager Don Mattingly has elevated Jonathan Bowlan and Orion Kerkering into higher-leverage setup roles, leaving the Phillies with fragile late-inning depth behind All-Star closer Jhoan Duran.
- Keller’s injury increases urgency for president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski to pursue bullpen help before the Aug. 3 deadline, a need made harder by Philadelphia’s thin farm system and limited trade chips.