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The Philadelphia Phillies are making a bullpen move prior to the start of a three-game series against the Los Angeles Dodgers.
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Lately, the Phillies’ bullpen has been a major weakness, with closer Jhoan Duran standing as the lone reliable arm in the back end.
In the series finale against the New York Mets on Sunday, the Phillies threw a total of 208 pitches, so a call up for a fresh arm was expected.
The team decided to call up the No. 17 prospect Alex McFarlane, who has been receiving a lot of buzz as of late for his performance in Double-A Reading.
Can confirm that the @Phillies are calling up RHP Alex McFarlane to the big leagues. No. 17 prospect had 2.06 ERA, 12.1 K/9, .187 BAA for Double-A Reading. Could provide good boost to #Phillies bullpen. Looks like @MLN_X_ had it first?
— Jonathan Mayo (@JonathanMayo) July 20, 2026
In 32 appearances for the 25-year-old, he posted a 2.06 ERA with 47 strikeouts and 12 saves in 35 innings.
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McFarlane sports an electric fastball that tops out at 101 MPH, which he normally pairs with a slider and sweeper to tie up hitters.
McFarlane was called up by the Phillies in April, but did not pitch in his day with the time.
This could be a similar situation, but it is much more likely he will make his debut and the Phillies will try him out with a role in the big leagues.
He could be a huge x-factor for the Phillies bullpen in the second half. Much like Orion Kerkering was at the end of the 2023 season.
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This story was originally published July 20, 2026 at 8:28 AM.