Phillies announce multiple roster moves before Dodgers clash

The Philadelphia Phillies made a series of roster adjustments ahead of the second game of their series against the Los Angeles Dodgers, reshuffling their pitching depth while creating space on the 40-man roster.

The team reinstated right-handed pitcher Max Lazar from the 60-day injured list and subsequently optioned him to Triple-A Lehigh Valley. Lazar opened the season dealing with a left oblique strain and began a rehabilitation assignment on April 30. Across 11 minor league appearances during that assignment, the 26-year-old compiled a 2.70 ERA over 13.1 innings.

Lazar’s return required a corresponding roster move because he occupies a spot on Philadelphia’s 40-man roster. To make room, the Phillies reinstated right-hander Zach Pop from the 15-day injured list and designated him for assignment.

Pop had been sidelined since mid-April with a right calf strain. Before the injury, he appeared in seven games for Philadelphia, allowing three earned runs across 7.1 innings while recording six strikeouts and three walks. He finished his short run with a 3.68 ERA and 0.1 bWAR. His final appearance came in an unexpected start against the Arizona Diamondbacks after top prospect Andrew Painter was unable to start because of migraines. Pop worked two innings as an opener in that contest.

The 29-year-old joined the Phillies in December and earned a bullpen role after a successful spring training, working to a 3.86 ERA in nine exhibition appearances. His designation for assignment comes despite a solid start to the season. Pop has pitched in parts of six major league seasons and has appeared for five different organizations.

Lazar, meanwhile, has become a familiar organizational arm since signing with Philadelphia as a minor league free agent before the 2024 season. He debuted in the majors that year and served as a regular bullpen option in 2025, making 36 appearances and throwing 41.1 innings. He finished last season with a 4.79 ERA, 26 strikeouts, and collected the first save of his MLB career in an extra-inning victory over the Athletics.

While Lazar returns to Triple-A, the Phillies’ major league bullpen remains stable. With Jhoan Duran healthy and back in the closer role, Orion Kerkering, Brad Keller, Jose Alvarado, and surprise contributor Chase Shugart have helped strengthen the relief corps.

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