Jonathan

Bowlan

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.

Bowlan has been up and down this season for Kansas City, making a career-high 19 relief appearances in the big leagues. He’s been shipped back to the minors to make room for starters Ryan Bergert and Bailey Falter on the club’s active roster.

Bowlan was up with Kansas City for Saturday’s doubleheader against Cleveland and will remain in the big leagues in the wake of starter Kris Bubic hitting the injured list with a rotator cuff strain. The 28-year-old righty holds a respectable 4.93 ERA over 23 2/3 innings (17 appearances) this season in the big leagues.

Bowlan will stick around for Saturday’s twin bill as auxiliary relief depth for Kansas City after being optioned to Triple-A Omaha prior to Friday’s rainout. The 28-year-old righty has posted a serviceable 4.64 ERA over 21 1/3 innings (16 appearances) this season in the big leagues.

Bowlan, 28, will head back to the minors now that Hunter Harvey (shoulder) is off the 60-day injured list. The right-hander will likely be back before the end of the year in a low-leverage role.

Zerpa struck out one batter in a clean inning of work to open the bullpen game for the Royals. Jonathan Bowlan took over in the second and surrendered a two-run homer to Juan Soto in the fourth inning, ending his outing after three frames with four strikeouts.

Bowlan joins Kansas City’s relief mix ahead of Sunday’s game against the Diamondbacks with Daniel Lynch IV heading to the shelf with left elbow nerve irritation. The 28-year-old righty has pitched well in 12 relief appearances this season in the big leagues with a solid 3.00 ERA across 15 innings of work.

Bowlan has a 3.00 ERA over 15 innings in three stints in the Royals pen this season, but the Royals needed room for the returning Sam Long.