According to Matt Gelb of The Athletic a decision has been made as the Philadelphia Phillies recall pitcher Tanner Banks ahead of a series against the Kansas City Royals. Alan Rangel was optioned to Triple-A Lehigh Valley following the Phillies game on July 2. The fifth spot in the Phillies rotation will come up once more before the All-Star break. This will set the team up to have a bullpen game for that game. Rangel made his first career start as the Phillies decided not to use an opener for him on July 2. Banks could be in line to serve as the opener for that game. Tim Mayza has also opened for the Phillies this season.
Phillies will recall lefty Tanner Banks to add to the bullpen mix this weekend, a source said. They are off Friday because of soccer in Kansas City. https://t.co/pTUYRKA4VO
— Matt Gelb (@MattGelb) July 3, 2026
Banks has an 0-4 record with a 5.86 ERA and a 3.69 FIP in 26 major league outings this season. To add to that Banks has a 1.92 WHIP and a 2.38 K/BB rate in the majors this year. Opposing batters have a .323 average and a .411 BABIP against Banks at the major league level. Since being optioned to the minor leagues Banks recorded an 0-1 record with a 6.23 ERA and a 2.87 FIP in four appearances for Triple-A Lehigh Valley. Banks has a 1.85 WHIP and a 2.00 K/BB rate in the minor leagues this season. Last season Banks had gained trust heading into the postseason and 2026. That trust has since diminished.
Phillies Recall Pitcher Per Report
Future Of The Fifth Starting Spot
Andrew Painter started the season as the fifth starter before being optioned because of struggles in his rookie season. It is possible that Painter could wind up back in the major league rotation later on this season. That would not be until August at the earliest barring an injury in all likelihood. With Aaron Nola also being ineffective the Phillies will be in the starting pitching market at the trade deadline. They will probably be more in the swingman market than the front-end starting pitching market. Rangel could end up reclaiming the spot after the All-Star break as well.
Overall Bullpen Concerns
The Phillies bullpen is at a crossroads right now. This decision as the Phillies recall pitcher Banks from the minor leagues shows some desperation. The primary concern is outside of Mayza the Phillies left-handed relief pitchers have been ineffective. Phillies left-handed relief pitchers have a 4.94 ERA and a 67.7% left-on-base percentage this season which both rank as the third worst in baseball. In addition to that the Phillies have the highest batting average and BABIP allowed by an left-handed relief pitching group this season. With Banks being recalled the Phillies now have four left-handed relief pitchers on their 26-man roster.
Impending Return From Injury
The Phillies bullpen will be getting a boost when Brad Keller returns from the injured list in the near future. As the Phillies recall pitcher to the 26-man roster Banks could have a brief run back in the majors. Keller is expected to make a rehab appearance on July 3. An exact timeline for Keller returning is unknown at the moment. The Phillies have multiple pitchers who could be optioned to make room for Keller. Lou Trivino could also be designated for assignment when Keller returns and that would open up a 40-man roster spot.
Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-Imagn Images
