Through 21 games leading into Sunday’s series finale against the Miami Marlins, the Philadelphia Phillies’ bullpen held the third-worst ERA in Major League Baseball at 5.54. After enjoying a few years of stability, the 2025 Phillies appear to be slipping back into old habits, evoking memories of the bullpen struggles during the Joe Girardi era.

The bullpen took a hit after the 2024 postseason exit and the offseason departures of key relievers Jeff Hoffman and Carlos Estévez. Still, it wasn’t a complete collapse. Returning standouts like 2024 All-Star Matt Strahm, José Alvarado, and Orion Kerkering have provided a solid foundation, combining to allow just five runs over 24 2/3 innings.

However, others haven’t fared as well. Carlos Hernández, Joe Ross, José Ruiz, and Jordan Romano have been tagged for 33 earned runs and have issued 16 walks. Romano showed promise after a mechanical tweak led to three strong appearances, but Saturday’s meltdown erased much of that progress.

4 candidates Phillies should consider calling-up to help the big league bullpen

It may still be a bit early for the Phillies to make a significant move, but they do have several minor league pitchers who offer different skill sets and could make an immediate impact in the bullpen. If the struggles at the major league level persist, these four arms are worth consideration by the front office.

Koyo Aoyagi, RHP

Koyo Aoyagi, a seasoned veteran of Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB), is navigating his first season in the U.S. after nine years with the Hanshin Tigers, where he posted a 3.08 ERA over 214 appearances. Though his spring training performance was rocky—he gave up four runs in three innings and appeared uneasy on the mound—the 31-year-old has found his rhythm now that the regular season is underway.

Pitching for the Triple-A Lehigh Valley IronPigs in 2025, the Yokohama native has allowed just one run over seven innings while striking out eight batters. Despite some control issues, including five walks and two hit batters, Aoyagi brings a wealth of high-level experience unmatched in the minors. His unorthodox sidearm delivery could make him a surprisingly effective contributor as a rookie.

Joel Kuhnel, RHP

Right-hander Joel Kuhnel, a veteran with major league experience, is off to a strong start with Lehigh Valley in 2025 after previous stints with Tampa Bay, Houston, and Cincinnati over his 11-year career.

In 9 1/3 innings so far this season, the North Carolina native has posted an impressive 1.93 ERA, issuing just one walk while striking out 10 batters. Known for his command, Kuhnel has walked only 5.9 percent of hitters across 93 2/3 big league innings. His deep five-pitch arsenal—including a sinker that once touched 100 mph—gives him versatility and an advantage over many relievers.

The Phillies would need to open a spot on the 40-man roster to bring him up, which adds a layer of complexity. Still, his MLB background and standout early-season performance might be enough to earn him another shot in the majors.

Devin Sweet, RHP

Former Mariners and Athletics reliever Devin Sweet brings an appealing skill set to the table — he’s known for his high strikeout rate and heavy usage on the mound.

Prior to being acquired from the Tigers, the undersized right-hander showcased his strikeout ability at Triple-A Toledo, fanning 111 batters over 76 innings. Like many pitchers on the fringe of the majors, though, his command has been an issue, evidenced by a 4.4 walks-per-nine rate in Triple-A. This season, he’s posted a 1.35 ERA and 1.05 WHIP in 6 2/3 innings at Triple-A, though command remains a concern with four walks and four strikeouts.

Sweet’s raw stuff is impressive, but he often struggles to consistently throw strikes — something that might make teams hesitant to rely on him as a bullpen option. However, his capacity to handle multiple innings could give manager Rob Thomson added flexibility. Last season, he logged 76 innings across just 52 appearances. Sweet has the potential to be a versatile, innings-eating reliever who can provide value in various roles.

Max Lazar, RHP

Max Lazar, 25, made his MLB debut with the Phillies last season, flashing potential with a 4.61 ERA over 13 2/3 innings. He began 2025 with Triple-A Lehigh Valley, where he’s impressed by allowing just three earned runs in eight innings, good for a 3.38 ERA and a 0.88 WHIP.

A Florida native, Lazar is considered a long-shot candidate for a bullpen role, but his previous major league experience and status as one of the few remaining relievers on the 40-man roster give him a chance. He features a classic four-pitch repertoire and can cover multiple innings.

If the Phillies turn to minor league starters for bullpen help, Nabil Crismatt and Seth Johnson could also be in the mix. Both have major league experience, but while Crismatt would require a 40-man roster move, Johnson is already on it, making him a more straightforward option.