Overview
- The Phillies designated right-hander José Ruiz for assignment and recalled Seth Johnson from Triple-A Lehigh Valley to bolster their bullpen.
- Taijuan Walker will move into a permanent one-inning relief role, with manager Rob Thomson hoping his fastball and slider play up in short stints.
- Top prospect Mick Abel is set to join the starting rotation Thursday in Toronto, taking Walker’s spot after a six-scoreless-inning major league debut.
- Philadelphia’s bullpen entered Sunday with a 4.68 ERA—25th in MLB—and has been further strained by José Alvarado’s 80-game suspension.
- Veteran Aaron Nola is advancing in his rehab from a sprained right ankle and Bryce Harper is targeting a Tuesday return from an elbow injury.