The Phillies optioned McFarlane to Triple-A Lehigh Valley on Saturday.
McFarlane made just one appearance with the Phillies after being promoted Monday, allowing one hit in a scoreless inning against the Dodgers. He'll now head back to the minors to help make room on Philadelphia's pitching staff for Brian Keller, who is set to work as a bulk reliever Saturday.
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Phillies' Alex McFarlane: Promotion official
Rotowire
The Phillies recalled McFarlane from Double-A Reading on Monday.
McFarlane will skip over the Triple-A level and get his first big-league call-up after thriving as Reading's closer this season. The 25-year-old righty converted all 11 of his save chances at Double-A while submitting a 2.06 ERA, 1.17 WHIP and 47:18 K:BB in 35 innings. McFarlane will likely begin his time with the Phillies as a lower-leverage reliever but could eventually work his way into a setup role in front of Jhoan Duran.
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Phillies' Alex McFarlane: Summoned from Double-A
Rotowire
The Phillies recalled McFarlane from Double-A Reading on Friday.
McFarlane has moved to the bullpen this season with Reading and posted a 1.42 ERA and 10:4 K:BB over his first 6.1 innings. The hard-throwing right-hander will provide manager Rob Thomson with a fresh bullpen arm, and while he has the upside to eventually work late innings, the 24-year-old will likely be used in lower-leverage spots initially.
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Phillies' Alex McFarlane: Opening season at Double-A
Rotowire
The Phillies optioned McFarlane to Double-A Reading on Sunday.
McFarlane was awarded a spot on the Phillies' 40-man roster over the winter after turning in a 4.84 ERA, 1.38 WHIP and 82:43 K:BB over 80 innings between Reading and High-A Jersey Shore in his first season back in action following his September 2023 Tommy John surgery.The 24-year-old righty is regarded as one of the more exciting young arms in the Philadelphia system, but he's likely at least a year away from contributing for the big club.
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Phillies' Alex McFarlane: Looks healthy for 2025 season
Rotowire
McFarlane (elbow) is listed on the Philadelphia roster for its March 14 Spring Breakout game against Pittsburgh prospects, Todd Zolecki of MLB.com reports.
The 23-year-old righty McFarlane appears to be heading into the 2025 season at full health after he didn't pitch in 2024 while recovering from his September 2023 Tommy John surgery. Before requiring surgery that season, McFarlane made 16 starts for Single-A Clearwater and turned in a 5.84 ERA, 1.71 WHIP and 68:38 K:BB in 49.1 innings.
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Phillies' Alex McFarlane: Lands on IL
Rotowire
Single-A Clearwater placed McFarlane on its 7-day injured list Saturday with an unspecified injury.
The 22-year-old right-hander has piled up 68 strikeouts over 49.1 innings, but his struggles with walks (16.3 BB%) have played a large role in him carrying a bloated 5.84 ERA and 1.71 WHIP through 16 starts. It's unclear if his injury is significant enough to cut short his second professional season.
