Philadelphia Phillies Recall Max Lazar to Bolster Bullpen Ahead of Reds Series

Philadelphia Phillies recalled right‑hander Max Lazar from Triple‑A Lehigh Valley on July 7, 2026, just before the series opener against the Cincinnati Reds. The move follows a 15‑1 loss to Kansas City that forced the bullpen to cover 3.2 innings, and the club hopes Lazar can provide a fresh arm in low‑leverage situations.

Why did the Phillies bring back Max Lazar now?

The Phillies’ middle relief group was stretched thin after Cristopher Sanchez’s short start against the Royals, prompting manager Rob Thomson to shuffle arms. Lazar, 27, posted a 4.73 career ERA over 50 appearances, most of them in low‑leverage roles, making him a logical plug‑and‑play option. He was previously optioned on June 22 when the club needed a fifth starter, and his recall suggests a short‑term fix rather than a permanent roster spot.

How does the bullpen look after the recent changes?

Left‑hander Kyle Backhus was optioned back to Triple‑A to make room for Lazar, while Seth Johnson and Backhus had each thrown back‑to‑back games in the Royals series. Lou Trivino contributed a 29‑pitch inning, but the staff still appears overworked. The Phillies have yet to name a starter for the second game of the Reds series, leaving the bullpen’s depth a key question.

What impact could this have on the Phillies’ standing?

The club sits 5th in the National League with a 51‑41 record and a one‑game winning streak. A win against Cincinnati on July 7, 2026, by a score of 1‑4 adds momentum, but sustained bullpen stability will be essential to climb the standings. If Lazar struggles, Thomson may have to revisit the roster, possibly sending him back down after the opener.

Is Brad Keller expected to return soon?

NBC Sports Philadelphia’s Jim Salisbury reported that right‑hander Brad Keller, sidelined with forearm tendinitis since June 16, completed two rehab outings with Lehigh Valley over the weekend. Todd Zolecki of MLB.com later noted the Phillies would wait another day before activating Keller from the 15‑day injured list. Keller’s return could further shape the bullpen’s composition as the season progresses.

What does this mean for the Phillies moving forward?

Lazar’s recall is a tactical adjustment aimed at shoring up a fatigued bullpen while the club evaluates its long‑term pitching depth. The Phillies’ recent win in Cincinnati shows they can win tight games, but the next few outings will test whether this roster tweak translates into consistent relief performance. And the staff will watch Keller’s rehab closely, as his health could dictate future moves.