The Philadelphia Phillies are set to begin a three-game series against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, at 7:10 p.m. EDT on Monday.
Before Game 1 of the series, news broke that the Phillies are promoting a top pitching prospect.
Philadelphia Phillies Calling Up Top Pitching Prospect Alex McFarlane For Los Angeles Dodgers Series
GettyCLEARWATER, FLORIDA – FEBRUARY 19: Alex McFarlane #71 of the Philadelphia Phillies poses for a portrait during photo day at BayCare Ballpark on February 19, 2026 in Clearwater, Florida. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
Via The Athletic’s Matt Gelb on X: “The Phillies are indeed calling up Alex McFarlane, as @mln_x_ said. They need a fresh arm after throwing 208 pitches to get through Sunday; it could be a brief stay for McFarlane like his previous call-up. Phillies could reassess No. 5 starter situation this week.
MLB Pipeline has McFarlane, 25, ranked as the Phillies’ No. 17 overall prospect.
More About Philadelphia Phillies’ Alex McFarlane
GettyCLEARWATER, FLORIDA – FEBRUARY 19: Alex McFarlane #71 of the Philadelphia Phillies poses for a portrait during photo day at BayCare Ballpark on February 19, 2026 in Clearwater, Florida. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
The Phillies selected McFarlane in the fourth round (No. 122 overall) of the 2022 MLB Draft out of the University of Miami.
McFarlane began his professional career as a starter. However, he struggled in that role, which led Philadelphia to convert him to a bullpen role.
GettyCLEARWATER, FLORIDA – FEBRUARY 19: Alex McFarlane #71 of the Philadelphia Phillies poses for a portrait during photo day at BayCare Ballpark on February 19, 2026 in Clearwater, Florida. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
The right-hander has thrived since being converted to a reliever. In 35 innings over 32 games with Double-A Reading this season, McFarlane has posted a 2.06 ERA with a 1.17 WHIP, .187 opponent batting average and 47 strikeouts.
As Gelb pointed out, this will be McFarlane’s second stint on the Phillies’ 26-man roster. Philadelphia promoted McFarlane back in late April, only to option him back to Double-A Reading a day later. The right-hander has yet to make his MLB debut.
GettyCLEARWATER, FLORIDA – FEBRUARY 19: Alex McFarlane #71 of the Philadelphia Phillies poses for a portrait during photo day at BayCare Ballpark on February 19, 2026 in Clearwater, Florida. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
McFarlane has an electric fastball that can reach up to 101 mph. He complements his heater with a solid slider. He also occasionally throws a changeup.
While McFarlane may just be with the Phillies for another short stint, he could find himself as a regular in the bullpen soon if he continues to dominate in the minors.
Philadelphia Phillies Right Now
GettyPHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – JULY 18: Don Mattingly, interim manager of the Philadelphia Phillies, high fives Bryce Harper #3 after a 6-1 win over the New York Mets during a game at Citizens Bank Park on July 18, 2026 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images)
The Phillies are coming off a 2-1 series loss to the New York Mets.
Philadelphia holds the second NL Wild Card spot with a 55-45 record. The club is also just three games back of the first-place Atlanta Braves in the NL East standings.
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