The Philadelphia Phillies have literally come halfway through this season with only four starters. Zack Wheeler, Cristopher Sánchez, and Jesús Luzardo are the key pitchers holding the fort. Aaron Nola’s terrible slump has not helped the team. That’s why Brian Keller could be the ideal fifth starter for the team.
The Phillies have major pitching issues. The starting rotation and their bullpen need another pitcher. With the trade deadline approaching, a few names have surfaced around the team. Michael Wacha is one of those pitchers rumored to be linked to the club, but the Phillies’ President of Baseball Operations, Dave Dombrowski, might as well turn to a familiar face.
Why the Phillies Need Brian Keller?
Keller is currently pitching for the Lehigh Valley IronPigs. Philadelphia could easily invite him to pitch in the big leagues. The club needs him now more than ever, and the time could not be more perfect.
Brian Keller Could Ease the Pressure
There’s too much workload on the team’s current pitchers. Wheeler, Sanchez, Luzardo, and Nola are pitching more often than expected. Bringing in Brian Keller will help the team give the rest of the starting rotation an extra day’s rest. There is plenty of pressure on the team’s starting rotation currently. Keller is one of the best solutions.
Brian Keller Could Help the Phillies Pursue Other Options
There’s still time before the trade deadline, allowing the Phillies to experiment with Keller in the big leagues. If the 32-year-old is exactly what they want, the Phillies could pursue other options. They can bring in another slugger or add another bullpen arm via trade.
AAA Lehigh Valley SP Brian Keller is in consideration for the 5th starter spot this weekend against the Yankees. Here are his stats since signing with the Phillies in May:
10 GS | 39.1 IP | 27 H | 9 ER | 12 BB | 41 K
2.06 ERA | 0.99 WHIP | .188 BAA(8 games AAA, 2 games FCL) pic.twitter.com/27Kff5R2qo
— Phillies Tailgate (@PhilsTailgate) July 21, 2026
Keller could also be used in the bullpen. At present, the right-handed pitcher is posting a 2.06 ERA, 0.99 WHIP, and 41 Ks. While those numbers are still from the minors, there’s no harm in trying him out. Despite Keller being drafted by the New York Yankees in 2016, he’s yet to pitch in the majors.
Aaron Nola Will Get More Time To Pick up the Pace
Nola is having another terrible season. The veteran pitcher holds a 3-7 record with a 5.68 ERA. Nola’s struggles are pretty evident, and he’s not getting any better. Opponent hitters are slashing .278 against him. He’s given up 23 home runs and has walked 35.
Worst ERA in the MLB among qualified SPs:
1. Aaron Nola — 5.68 ERA
2. Mitch Keller — 5.14 ERA
3. Freddy Peralta — 5.01 ERAoof. pic.twitter.com/mc6MaJPTDN
— SleeperMets (@SleeperMets) July 21, 2026
Keller will probably give Nola more time to pick up the pace. The Phillies could send him off for a while just to ensure he’s back to form and ready in October. For now, they are unable to make a move on Nola with only Wheeler, Sanchez, and Luzardo holding the reins.
Apart from their rotation and bullpen issues, Philadelphia is still looking to add another outfielder. The trade deadline will force the team to bring in players. The franchise is also calling up Alex McFarlane to the big leagues straight out of Double-A.
Brad Keller, who replaced Jhoan Duran, is out for the rest of the season, leaving the bullpen stranded again. Now that McFarlane is coming in to take that place, Brian Keller can be the ideal fifth starter in their rotation.
The Phillies are desperate for another pitcher. The trade market remains competitive, and Brian Keller can help them from spending. However, he will need to prove his worth soon.
Main Photo Credit: © Allan Jung/ Telegram&Gazette / USA TODAY NETWORK
