Phillies Add Mayza, Buehler for Stretch Run

The July 31 Trade Deadline was the last opportunity to make a trade with other teams for any talent for the stretch run.  August 31 is an important day, too.  Teams must have players in their organization in order to qualify for the Postseason roster.  The Phillies were busy the last day, reportedly adding two pitchers to their depth.

The Phillies announced that they have claimed left-handed pitcher Tim Mayza off of waivers from the Pittsburgh Pirates.

Mayza, who is from Allentown and a graduate of Millersville University, was rehabbing at Triple-A Indianapolis after an early season shoulder injury.   Mayza was 0-0 with a 2.89 ERA with the Pittsburgh Pirates before the injury in April.

Mayza began his rehab assignment on August 19 at Triple-A Indianapolis.  The Phillies can continue his rehab assigment at Triple-A Lehigh Valley before making a final decision to summon Mayza.  Pitcher rehab assignments can last up to 30 days.

Mayza has allowed one earned run in four appearances at 4 2/3 innings of rehab ball.

Mayza would be the fourth Phillies reliever in the mix, though it's worth noting that Jose Alvarado cannot pitch in the MLB Postseason after violating the MLB and MLBPA Joint Drug Agreement.

According to multiple reports including Jeff Passan of ESPN, the Phillies are in agreement with pitcher Walker Buehler.  It was Walker, fans may remember, who was on the mound and closed out the 2024 World Series victory for the Los Angeles Dodgers.

The two-time All-Star had been with the Boston Red Sox in 2025.  In 23 appearances that included 22 starts, Buehler is 7-7 with a 5.45 ERA.  Buehler struggled at times, leading to a recent demotion to the bullpen.

The Red Sox ultimately released Buehler, making $21 million this season, in favor of prospect Payton Tolle.

It is immediately unclear how the Phillies plan to use Walker, who could give the Phillies the six-man rotation they had considered prior to the Zack Wheeler injury.  That deal is not yet official.

Both Mayza and Buehler will be eligible for the Phillies postseason.

They could help the Phillies or they may ultimately not, but the Phillies have added some depth, with more options than they had before.