The Philadelphia Phillies made a roster adjustment on Wednesday, placing right-handed reliever Zach Pop on the 15-day injured list due to a strain in his right calf. The move was applied retroactively to Monday, meaning Pop will be eligible to return once the minimum stint has passed, provided he recovers as expected.
Pop, 29, had been contributing out of the bullpen early in the season, appearing in seven games without recording a decision. During those outings, he posted a solid 3.68 earned run average, showing effectiveness in his role despite limited appearances. His absence now creates a temporary gap in the Phillies’ relief corps, which the team will need to manage as they continue through the schedule.
Over the course of his major league career, Pop has built a reputation as a dependable bullpen arm, though he has moved between several teams. He holds an overall record of 8-6 with a 4.83 ERA across 170 appearances, with just one start. His journey through the league has included stints with the Miami Marlins, Toronto Blue Jays, Seattle Mariners, New York Mets, and now the Phillies. This experience has given him exposure to a variety of pitching roles and situations, making him a versatile option when healthy.
In response to Pop’s injury, the Phillies promoted left-handed pitcher Kyle Backhus from Triple-A Lehigh Valley. The 28-year-old has already seen some action with the major league club this season, appearing in four games. In those appearances, he allowed three runs on four hits over three innings of work. While his sample size remains small, Backhus now has another opportunity to prove himself and potentially secure a more consistent role in the bullpen.
The call-up reflects the Phillies’ need to maintain depth and flexibility within their pitching staff. Injuries are a common challenge over the course of a long baseball season, and teams must be prepared to adjust quickly. By bringing Backhus back to the active roster, Philadelphia is looking to fill the immediate void left by Pop while also evaluating their options moving forward.
For Pop, the focus will now be on recovery and rehabilitation. Calf strains can vary in severity, but the team will likely take a cautious approach to ensure he returns at full strength. His performance prior to the injury suggests he can be a useful contributor once he is healthy again.
Meanwhile, Backhus has a chance to make the most of this opportunity. With consistent outings and improved results, he could strengthen his case to remain with the big-league club even after Pop returns. As the Phillies continue their campaign, managing the health and effectiveness of their bullpen will remain a key factor in their overall success.
Griff McGarry’s journey with the Philadelphia Phillies has officially come to an end following a trade completed on Tuesday.
Griff McGarry’s journey with the Philadelphia Phillies has officially come to an end following a trade completed on Tuesday. The organization dealt the former pitching prospect to the Los Angeles Dodgers in exchange for international bonus pool space, along with either a player to be named later or cash considerations. The move marks a significant turning point for McGarry, who was once viewed as one of the more promising arms in the Phillies’ farm system.
Now 26 years old, McGarry entered the spotlight a few years ago as a highly regarded prospect. In 2023, he was ranked as the No. 3 prospect in Philadelphia’s system by MLB Pipeline, largely due to his impressive raw talent. His fastball, which was clocked as high as 99 mph in 2022, highlighted his potential to become a power pitcher at the major league level. However, despite possessing elite velocity and swing-and-miss capability, McGarry struggled with one critical aspect of pitching—command.
Throughout his time in the minors, inconsistency with throwing strikes prevented him from fully capitalizing on his natural ability. His tendency to issue walks and fall behind in counts limited his effectiveness and ultimately hindered his progression toward the big leagues. While he showed flashes of dominance, the lack of control remained a persistent obstacle.
The Phillies’ decision to leave McGarry unprotected during the Rule 5 Draft in December signaled a shift in how the organization viewed his future. He was selected by the Washington Nationals, giving him a brief opportunity with another club. However, his time in Washington was short-lived. During Spring Training, he appeared in six Grapefruit League games, where he struck out six batters but also walked five and allowed two runs over 5 2/3 innings. Ultimately, the Nationals chose not to retain him, returning him to the Phillies before the start of the regular season.
Back with Philadelphia’s organization, McGarry continued to struggle in 2025 while pitching for Triple-A Lehigh Valley. In five appearances, he posted a 9.00 ERA, a reflection of ongoing control issues. Over just four innings of work, he recorded four strikeouts but also issued seven walks, further underscoring the challenges that have defined his professional career so far.
Originally selected by the Phillies in the fifth round of the 2021 MLB Draft, McGarry was once seen as a potential high-upside arm who could develop into a key contributor. While that potential has yet to fully materialize, the trade to the Dodgers offers him a fresh start in a new organization known for its strong player development system.
For the Phillies, the deal represents a strategic decision to move on from a player who had not progressed as hoped, while gaining valuable international signing flexibility. For McGarry, it provides another opportunity to refine his skills and attempt to unlock the potential that once made him one of the more intriguing pitching prospects in baseball.
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