Phillies Reliever Brad Keller Placed on IL with UCL Tear; Seth Johnson Recalled

The Philadelphia Phillies' leaky bullpen just got some bad news on Thursday.

The team announced that right-handed relief pitcher Brad Keller is being placed on the 15-day injured list with a right elbow UCL tear. Keller, 30, has gone 2-1 with a 4.02 ERA (14 ER, 31.1 IP) and 32 strikeouts in 32 relief appearances for the Phillies this season.

Keller went on the injured list and returned on July 8 and pitched that night, but his season is now likely done, and it's possible next season could be in jeopardy as well.

A Season-Ending Blow for Brad Keller?

The Phillies signed Keller to a two-year, $22 million deal back in December after he had a dominating 2025 season with the Cubs, posting a 2.07 ERA,  0.96 WHIP and 75/22 K/BB ratio across 69 2/3 innings.

How the Bullpen Shakes Out Behind Johan Duran

This is a tough blow for the Phillies bullpen, with Keller signed to provide a quality arm in front of closer Jhoan Durán.  With Keller out, the team will likely turn to guys like Johnathan Bowlan and Orion Kerkering in the setup roles.

Will Dave Dombrowski Target the Trade Market?

With Keller out and Jose Alvarado and Tanner Banks struggling, the Phillies might need to turn their attention to the trade market to beef up their struggling bullpen.

Seth Johnson Recalled to Fill the Roster Spot

To fill his spot on the 26-man roster, the Phillies recalled right-handed pitcher Seth Johnson from Triple-A Lehigh Valley.

Johnson, 27, has appeared in a career-high 11 games over his three stints for the Phillies this season, striking out 14 hitters in 11.1 innings, but has an ERA of 7.15.

He likely will be used in lower-leverage situations, but has had a solid year for Triple-A Lehigh Valley with a 2.17 ERA, 40 strikeouts in 29 innings pitched and six saves for the Iron Pigs.

Tonight's Game Time Moved Up

Due to air quality concerns for later this evening, tonight’s game between the Phillies and New York Mets will now begin at 6:10 p.m., moved up from its originally scheduled 7:10 p.m. start.

Gate openings will remain unchanged: the Third Base/Left Field Gates will open at 5:10 p.m., with all other gates opening at 5:40 p.m.