The Philadelphia Phillies make a waiver claim for pitcher Kyle Tyler in a move that shakes up the 40-man roster. Tyler had been designated for assignment by the Miami Marlins. The Phillies optioned Tyler to Triple-A Lehigh Valley. In eight major league outings this season, including seven starts, Tyler has a 0-2 record with a 5.40 ERA and 25 strikeouts. Tyler has an 83 ERA+ and a 5.04 FIP this season. In addition, Tyler has a 1.39 strikeout-to-walk ratio in the majors this season. With roster expansion coming on September 1, seeing Tyler get a chance on the Phillies major league roster would not be surprising.
Nick Nelson was designated for assignment to make room for Tyler on the Phillies 40-man roster. This comes after Darick Hall and Max Castillo were designated for assignment as part of roster moves on August 9. Kody Clemens is back on the Phillies 40-man roster. Currently, the Phillies 40-man roster is full. Nelson has a 0-0 record in three major league appearances this season with a 5.40 ERA and five strikeouts. This season, Nelson has an 84 ERA+ and a 0.18 FIP in the majors. Across the last two seasons, Nelson has made a combined four major league appearances. Furthermore, it was unlikely that Nelson would make another major league appearance this season.
Phillies Make Waiver Claim
A contributing factor to this move is minor league options. Tyler has a minor league option year available for next season. Meanwhile, Nelson is in his last minor league option year. This gives the Phillies more pitching flexibility. Expect Dylan Covey to be designated for assignment when his rehab assignment concludes. Covey has no remaining minor league options. Furthermore, it would not be surprising to see Yunior Marte designated for assignment when Taijuan Walker returns on August 13. Marte can be optioned. However, Marte will likely be designated for assignment given recent performances and a full 40-man roster.
Given recent moves, expect more players on the Phillies 40-man roster stuck in Triple-A Lehigh Valley to be designated for assignment. 2023 trade deadline acquisition Rodolfo Castro has not played in the majors this season. Castro being designated for assignment would not be surprising. Additionally, it is not likely the Phillies call up Castro when rosters expand. It is also worth noting that Cal Stevenson, Michael Rucker, Kolby Allard, and Clemens are in their last minor league option year. Additionally, José Ruiz has no minor league options. Expect more changes to the Phillies 40-man roster before the regular season ends.
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