Connor

Phillips

Phillips gets the boot with the Reds activating Caleb Ferguson and recalling Zach Maxwell in corresponding moves. Phillips likely will be back at some point this summer in a middle-inning role, but he’s going to have to throw more consistent — and better — strikes in the minors to earn that right.

We thought it might be Graham Ashcraft tonight with Emilio Pagán and Tony Santillan nearly certain to be unavailable after working both Saturday and Sunday. Ashcraft did factor in, getting four outs in the seventh and eighth, but Phillips was called on to finish and did so successfully despite walking two batters. The Reds should have Pagán back closing on Tuesday.

Phillips returns to the majors for the first time since early July. The 24-year-old former pitching prospect has struggled to a bloated 7.40 ERA across five innings (four appearances) this season in the big leagues.

Phillips gave up a grand slam to Wilyer Abreu while mopping up for two innings against the Red Sox last night. Those four were the only earned runs he allowed in five innings during his 11 days in the majors.

Phillips is up to take the roster spot of Wade Miley with Miley being diagnosed with a flexor strain in his left elbow. Phillips was one of the big names acquired by the Reds in the Luis Castillo trade, and he’s been effective in the bullpen this year with a 3.14 ERA. He’ll likely work in the middle innings while he’s with Cincinnati.

Hinds and Marte are the two biggest names on the list, as they both have seen time with the Reds and have the potential to be long-term options. They can safely be ignored in all but keeper/dynasty formats for the 2025 campaign.

Phillips, who made his major league debut for the Reds at age 22 in 2023, had a nightmare 2024 season, finishing with an 8.01 ERA and a 77/60 K/BB in 78 2/3 innings for Triple-A Louisville. Fortunately, it seems like he’s bouncing back some now. He does have a 6.10 ERA in three appearances for Glendale, but it comes with a 15/3 K/BB in 10 1/3 innings. His velocity has been up some as well; he averaged 98 mph with his fastball on Thursday.

It’s been an extremely tough start to the year for Phillips, who was a top-100 prospect as recently as last year. The 23-year-old righty, who made five starts last year for Cincinnati, has struggled to a disastrous 10.11 ERA, 2.26 WHIP and 53/50 K/BB ratio across 57 innings (14 starts) this year for Triple-A Louisville. The complete erosion of his command is startling and he’s going to head to the Rookie-level Arizona Complex League to focus on building back up from scratch.

Phillips allowed seven hits, and he walked four with three strikeouts. It’s nowhere close to as good as his first start of the year where he threw six innings of one-run baseball, and it’s a reminder that there’s still some work to be done before he’s ready to contribute to the Cincinnati staff. This is still a pitcher with three potential out pitches in his fastball, curve and slider, however, so it’s not a question of stuff for the 22-year-old. The command just needs to get much better if he’s going to ever be a real rotation option. High risk, high reward.

The Reds have cut down their major league camp to 39 players. Phillips will start the 2024 campaign at Triple-A Louisville where he posted a 4.69 ERA, 1.56 WHIP and a 43/30 K/BB ratio across 40 1/3 innings. The 22-year-old was called up to the majors for a brief stint last September where he made five starts, but struggled with a 6.97 ERA and allowed 16 earned runs across 20 2/3 innings.