BREAKING: Phillies Move On From Veteran Pitchers as Bullpen Changes Continue
The Philadelphia Phillies continued reshaping their pitching depth this week, officially parting ways with two experienced veteran arms as the organization looks to strengthen its bullpen heading deeper into the 2026 season.
One of the major developments involved right-handed pitcher Darwinzon Hernandez, who quickly found a new opportunity after being released by Philadelphia. Just one day after the Phillies decided to move on, Hernandez reportedly signed a deal with the Los Angeles Dodgers, giving the veteran reliever another chance to prove himself at the Major League level.
The Phillies released Hernandez on Sunday, ending his brief stay within the organization. However, the Dodgers wasted little time adding him to their system, hoping his experience and bullpen depth can provide value during the long MLB season.
Although Hernandez has not pitched in the Major Leagues since the 2024 campaign, he still possesses intriguing upside because of his arm strength and strikeout potential. During that 2024 season, Hernandez spent time with both the Texas Rangers and the Seattle Mariners. Across 43.1 innings of work, he finished with a 5.40 ERA and a 1.59 WHIP while recording 39 strikeouts against 28 walks.
While the numbers were inconsistent, Hernandez continued to show flashes of the power pitching that once made him a promising bullpen option earlier in his career. The Dodgers are now hoping they can help the 29-year-old rediscover that form and become a useful bullpen piece for the remainder of the year.
In addition to moving on from Hernandez, Philadelphia also made another notable pitching decision involving veteran left-hander Genesis Cabrera. The Phillies signed Cabrera to a minor league contract that included an invitation to spring training as the organization explored additional bullpen competition.
Cabrera entered camp looking to revive his Major League career after spending the 2025 season bouncing around multiple teams. The left-handed reliever appeared for four different MLB clubs during that stretch and struggled to consistently find success on the mound.
Over 42.2 innings pitched in 2025, Cabrera posted a 6.54 ERA while compiling 35 strikeouts and 18 walks. Although his overall numbers were disappointing, there were still some encouraging signs when facing left-handed hitters. Opposing lefties managed only a .197 batting average against him and struggled to generate consistent offense.
However, Cabrera’s difficulties against right-handed hitters ultimately created problems. Right-handed batters hit an impressive .333 against him while also producing a powerful .646 slugging percentage. Those splits made it difficult for him to secure a stable role in a Major League bullpen.
Philadelphia’s bullpen situation also made Cabrera’s path to the Opening Day roster increasingly challenging. Established relievers like Jose Alvarado and Tanner Banks were already viewed as strong locks to make the bullpen, while additional depth options such as Kyle Backhus further crowded the competition for roster spots.
The Phillies appear focused on refining their pitching staff as they continue battling in the competitive National League playoff race. With roster flexibility becoming increasingly important throughout the season, the organization has been willing to make difficult decisions involving veteran players in order to improve overall depth and consistency.
For Hernandez, the move to Los Angeles could offer a fresh opportunity to revive his MLB career with a franchise known for maximizing pitching talent. Meanwhile, Cabrera faces another uphill climb as he attempts to work his way back into a reliable bullpen role at the highest level.
As the season moves forward, Philadelphia’s recent roster decisions highlight the constant adjustments teams must make while searching for the right mix of talent, experience, and bullpen stability.
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