Phillies Recall Hard-Throwing Prospect Alex McFarlane From Double-A Reading

Phillies recall Alex McFarlane ahead of Braves series as Wheeler returns

The Philadelphia Phillies, desperate to patch up a fraying bullpen, called up 24-year-old righty Alex McFarlane from Double-A Reading. The timing isn’t subtle—they’re heading into a three-game clash with Atlanta and dragging along a brutal nine-game losing streak.

Ace Zack Wheeler is almost ready to return from thoracic outlet surgery. Once Wheeler’s back, McFarlane’s time in the majors might be short-lived.

McFarlane Brings Velocity and Versatility to a Stressed Phillies Bullpen

The Phillies hope McFarlane’s fastball and aggressive approach can soak up innings and give them some fresh late-game options. They’ve leaned on young arms all season, and now they’re banking on McFarlane to give a jolt during this rough patch.

McFarlane started the year as a starter but shifted to full-time relief. This move shows Philly’s trying something different, searching for stability in a bullpen that’s stumbled during big moments lately.

Prospect Profile: What McFarlane Offers

Alex McFarlane, 24, went in the fourth round of the 2022 MLB Draft as a starter. This year, he’s all-in as a reliever. He’s hit 99 mph with his fastball, giving the Phillies some real heat out of the ‘pen when they’re desperate for late-inning outs.

In seven games for Double-A Reading this season, he’s allowed just one run in 6 1/3 innings. He’s picked up a save, struck out 10, and kept opponents to a .190 average. During spring training, he threw three scoreless innings and gave up just one hit out of nine batters faced. That kind of readiness? It’s hard to ignore.

Last season, he snagged Minor League Pitcher of the Month for July by giving up four runs in 17 innings with High-A Jersey Shore. In 2025, between High-A and Double-A, he went 4-9 with a 4.84 ERA across 24 games. His minor league strikeout rate—10.76 per nine innings—shows he can miss bats, even as he moves up.

MLB.com ranks McFarlane as the Phillies’ No. 19 prospect. Realistically, his major-league stint might not last long—once Wheeler’s ready or the front office shuffles the roster, McFarlane could head back down.

Wheeler’s Return: Stakes and Short-Term Outlook

With Wheeler nearly back, the Phillies are juggling two things: letting a young arm like McFarlane develop, and squeezing out a few more wins from a bullpen that’s been overworked. Calling up McFarlane is a stopgap, a bridge until Wheeler’s fully healthy and the team can rethink its roster.

Roster and Role Implications

• Bullpen role: He’s an immediate option for late-inning work. His high-velocity stuff gives the Phillies a way to cover high-leverage situations.
• Temporary assignment: This call-up looks short-term unless Wheeler’s timeline changes or they make another move.
• Development trajectory: The team gets a chance to see how his reliever profile holds up in the big leagues. There’s real playoff pressure, so it’s a big test.
• Jersey number: He’ll wear No. 71. That makes it a little easier for fans to spot him during his first big-league outings.

 
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