Overview
- The Phillies recalled right-hander Alex McFarlane from Triple-A Lehigh Valley Tuesday and optioned right-hander Alan Rangel to open a roster spot.
- McFarlane has a 1.83 ERA across 36 minor-league outings this year, logged a 0.00 ERA in four Triple-A appearances with eight strikeouts, and made one scoreless MLB inning on July 22.
- Philadelphia made the promotion to ease an overworked relief corps after back-to-back extra-inning games against Toronto and a heavy workload during the Cardinals series that left several relievers fatigued.
- The length of McFarlane’s stay is uncertain because of option and recall rules, and several other internal arms are not eligible for recall until mid‑ to late‑August without an injury to a current big-leaguer.
- If McFarlane can refine his command, his near‑100 mph fastball could provide late-inning support that lets top arms rest and could influence how the front office manages bullpen depth down the stretch.