Philadelphia Phillies reshape bullpen ahead of Reds series

The Philadelphia Phillies, anchored by closer Jhoan Duran, have been scrambling to improve a struggling bullpen. Interim manager Don Mattingly optioned left‑hander Kyle Backhus to Triple‑A Lehigh Valley and recalled right‑hander Max Lazar to the 26‑man roster before the series with the Cincinnati Reds. Backhus posted a 7.94 ERA in limited action, while Lazar, returning from injury, has a 4.50 ERA in his brief 2026 stint.

With the MLB trade deadline approaching, the club is also evaluating external options. Analysts have highlighted twenty potential relievers, ranging from high‑profile arms like Adolis Chapman, Josh Hader and Garrett Whitlock to solid, affordable pitchers such as Pete Fairbanks, Kyle Finnegan and Caleb Ferguson. The Phillies aim to add depth and stability to the seventh and eighth innings to better support Duran and setup man Orion Kerkering.