Phillies Make Roster Moves: Ruiz DFA’d, Johnson Called Up, Abel Starting

The Philadelphia Phillies made a pair of roster decisions before their series finale against the Milwaukee Brewers on Sunday.

Phillies Designate José Ruiz for Assignment

After watching their bullpen implode the past few days, the team has seen enough of right-hander José Ruiz and designated him for assignment.

Ruiz’s Final Straw: Saturday’s Blowup

Ruiz had a rough outing on Saturday against the Brewers, allowing five runs in his lone inning to raise his ERA to 8.16 ERA across 14.1 innings pitched, in 16 appearances.

Seth Johnson Recalled from Triple-A

In his place, the Phillies have called up Seth Johnson, 26, who came over to Philadelphia as part of the Gregory Soto deal with the Baltimore Orioles, with right-hander Moisés Chace on July 30, 2024.

Johnson’s Bullpen Stats and Role

Mick Abel Gets Another Shot in the Rotation

Manager Rob Thomson also announced that Taijuan Walker will be moving to the bullpen and Mick Abel will take his place in the rotation.  Thomson announced that the 23-year-old prospect would pitch against the Blue Jays on Thursday in Toronto.

Thomson indicated that this is not a one-time start for Abel, who started against Pittsburgh back on May 18 before being sent back to Triple-A Lehigh.

Walker Heads to the Bullpen

Walker now gets to show the Philles if he can handle a role in the team's struggling bullpen.

"I want to see him in a one-inning stint and see what he can do," Thomson told reporters before the game on Sunday.

Thomson said Walker should be available on Tuesday out of the bullpen.

Harper Nearing Return Ahead of Blue Jays Series

Finally, there is some news on Bryce Harper, who was not in Sunday's lineup but appears to be getting closer to playing. Harper, who did his full pregame routine on Sunday, told reporters that he’s feeling much better and is hoping to return for Tuesday’s series opener in Toronto.

Projected Starters for Toronto Series

The Phillies' rotation for the series in Toronto will feature Zack Wheeler on Tuesday, followed by Cristopher Sánchez on Wednesday and Abel on Thursday.