Three Phillies players will not remain on the big-league roster through the end of August.
With the trade deadline behind them, the Philadelphia Phillies have finalized their roster for the crucial stretch leading up to the postseason. Despite their challenges since the All-Star break, the team remains in a strong position with under eight weeks left in the season. Having won three of their last four games before Thursday’s matchup against the Arizona Diamondbacks, they held a 7.5-game lead in the NL East.
The Phillies remain the team to beat with a deep roster and few major concerns, assuming no further injuries to their core players. The focus now shifts to the edges of the active 26-man roster, with fans and the front office closely watching for changes.
Three Phillies players are expected to leave the big-league roster by the end of August. Meanwhile, the team is anticipating the return of pitchers Taijuan Walker, Ranger Suárez, and Spencer Turnbull from the injured list. There are uncertainties regarding the rotation’s configuration for August, particularly with the potential implementation of a six-man rotation once the team is fully healthy.
The Phillies’ bullpen might experience some changes, particularly in a few positions. With the additions of Carlos Estévez and Tanner Banks at the trade deadline, the top six relief pitchers appear set for the next two months.
Among the edge-of-the-roster players, Kolby Allard is expected to be the first to move off the big-league roster in August. The left-hander, who was called up on July 27 to fill in for the injured Ranger Suárez, is likely to be sent to Lehigh Valley soon. Signed as a free agent in January, Allard still has a minor league option available, which the Phillies are expected to use in the near future.
Thursday’s game against the Arizona Diamondbacks was likely Kolby Allard’s final appearance with the Phillies for now. Once Taijuan Walker is reinstated, Allard is the most probable candidate to be removed from the roster.
In his three appearances (two starts) with the Phillies, Allard has posted a 3.46 ERA and a 1.23 WHIP. Over 13 innings, he has allowed five runs on 14 hits, with eight strikeouts and two walks.
Walker, who is rehabbing, was initially scheduled to return on Sunday in Arizona, but his Triple-A rehab outing was postponed due to rain. He is expected to be ready to start when the Phillies return home to play the Miami Marlins on August 13.
