Jonathan

Bowlan

The Phillies have kept Bowlan on the active roster since he left his appearance a week ago. Manager Don Mattingly indicated that Bowlan could still be on the Wild Card roster even if he doesn’t get into another regular-season game.

The Phillies are hopeful that he’ll be able to return before the end of the regular season, so they’ll take it day-to-day for the time being. That means the Phillies’ bullpen will be shorthanded for remainder of their weekend series against the Mets in New York.

Bowlan said he felt his groin tighten on the second-to-last pitch he threw in the eighth inning. He’d given up runs in last five appearances before the injury, so letting him heal up probably isn’t the worst timing in the world for the Phillies as they look to secure their wild card position.

Bowlan allowed two groundball singles with one out, with center field Derek Hill committing an error on the second that allowed DeShawn Keirsey Jr. to score from first. The run was ruled earned afterwards, since Ronald Acuña Jr.'s flyout to center surely would have been a sac fly had the runner been on third. Bowlan had the ninth tonight because Duran pitched the previous two days. It’s the fourth straight appearance in which he’s allowed exactly one run, taking his ERA from 2.82 to 3.27.

Jhoan Duran didn’t pitch Friday, which is curious after the Phillies had an off-day Thursday. It’s the second save for Bowlan of the season, and it lowers his ERA to 2.77 on the season. If Duran has something going on, Bowlan could see more chances, but obviously fantasy managers would need more clarity before considering a roster addition.

Bowlan ended up missing just the minimum stint on the injured list while dealing with his right groin strain. The 29-year-old will have a chance to pitch in the mid-to-late innings now that he’s healthy enough to do so.

Bowlan has already made seven appearances for the Phillies this season, allowing three runs on eight hits in seven innings with an 8/1 K/BB ratio. He should be sidelined for a few weeks.

It’s an interesting reliever for reliever swap assuming that the Phillies don’t have plans to convert Bowlan to a starter next spring. The 29-year-old registered a serviceable 3.86 ERA, 1.22 WHIP and 46/17 K/BB ratio across 44 1/3 innings with the Royals last year. Given that he’s out of options, Bowlan seems destined for a middle relief role in the Phillies’ season-opening bullpen.

Mark Feinsand of MLB.com adds that Jonathan Bowlan will be heading to the Phillies in the trade. It’s a terrific get for the Royals though, as Strahm has developed into one of the most reliable left-handed setup men in all of baseball. The 34-year-old southpaw registered a 2.74 ERA, 1.08 WHIP and a 70/20 K/BB ratio over 62 1/3 innings while snagging six saves during the 2025 campaign.

The 28-year-old hurler will take the place of the injured Bailey Falter (bicep) in the Royals’ bullpen. Bowlan has registered a 4.73 ERA, 1.35 WHIP and a 24/11 K/BB ratio over 26 2/3 innings with the big league club this season.