The Philadelphia Phillies bullpen needs a minor adjustment even with their great start to the regular season. Heading into action on April 13 the Phillies bullpen has the second highest fWAR behind the San Diego Padres. Furthermore the Phillies also rank second in bullpen FIP behind the New York Yankees. The Phillies also rank second in bullpen WHIP behind the Atlanta Braves. Through games played on April 12 the Phillies bullpen has a league leading 4.77 K/BB rate as well. Another strength of the Phillies bullpen has been keeping the ball in the yard. The bullpen has a 0.32 HR/9 allowed rate so far this season. These two league leading numbers have been essential to the success of the Phillies bullpen so far.
Orion Kerkering has been flawless since returning from the injured list on April 7. Kerkering has not allowed an earned run and has a 1.00 WHIP and a 3.47 FIP in three appearances. Opposing batters have a .167 average and a .182 BABIP against Kerkering this season. Jhoan Duran ranks second in fWAR among qualified relief pitchers entering play on April 13 behind Mason Miller. Duran has a 1.35 ERA and a 0.75 WHIP along with a 0.74 FIP with five saves in seven outings. Tanner Banks is also off to an outstanding start with a 1.35 ERA and a 0.88 WHIP with a 1.02 FIP in five appearances this season. This is good for a bullpen that has been a weaker part of the Phillies roster for many years.
Phillies Bullpen Minor Adjustment Needed
Leverage Role Shift
The minor adjustment the Phillies bullpen is moving Tim Mayza into a higher leverage role. José Alvarado needs to be moved into a lower leverage role. Alvarado has been struggling this season. The Phillies had trade talks about Alvarado during the offseason. but opted to move Matt Strahm instead. Alvarado is scheduled to be a free agent after the 2026 season and is coming off being suspended for 80 games in 2025. This season Alvarado has a 0-1 record with a 12.60 ERA and a 2.40 WHIP with a 2.74 FIP in eight games this season. Alvarado has a 2.33 K/BB rate and a blown save as well. Opposing batters have a .375 average along with a .529 BABIP against, the second worst among qualified relief pitchers, Alvarado in 2026. Alvarado needs a role reset.
Unexpected Success
Mayza entered spring training competing to be the third left-handed relief pitcher in the Phillies bullpen. A non-roster invitee, Mayza secured a spot on the Phillies Opening Day roster after the injury to Kerkering. Mayza has a 0.00 ERA and a 0.35 WHIP, which ranks as the third best among qualified relief pitchers, and a 1.18 FIP in seven games this season. Furthermore Mayza has a 10.00 K/BB rate which is tied for the second best among qualified relief pitchers. Opposing batters have a 0.71 average as well as a .111 BABIP against Mayza. While not much was expected of Mayza when he made the Opening Day roster he has earned the ability to move into a higher leverage role. Mayza has been a good surprise for the Phillies.
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