The Philadelphia Phillies adjusted their pitching staff Thursday before opening a series against the New York Mets, adding two right-handers from Triple-A and sending a left-hander back down.
The team’s official account announced the moves in a post that read: “Prior to tonight’s game against the New York Mets, the Phillies recalled RHP Seth Johnson and selected the contract of RHP Bryse Wilson, both from Lehigh Valley (AAA). To make room on the 26-man roster, LHP Tanner Banks was optioned to Lehigh Valley.”
The changes came a day after the club optioned prospect Andrew Painter following a rough outing, creating a need for extra arms in both the rotation and bullpen.
Wilson, 28, had triggered an upward-mobility clause in his minor-league contract. He signed with Philadelphia in the offseason, was released in early June, and quickly re-signed. He made 10 appearances with Lehigh Valley this year, including nine starts, and posted a 7.23 ERA over 47 1/3 innings before the latest call-up.
Johnson, a 27-year-old right-hander, returned for another look in the majors. He had appeared in 16 games for the Phillies earlier in the 2026 season with a 5.51 ERA in 16 1/3 innings and 20 strikeouts.
Banks, a left-handed reliever, was sent to Triple-A to open the 26-man roster spot. He had been used in middle relief and will continue working at Lehigh Valley.
The same day, the Phillies added another familiar pitcher on a minor-league deal. Reporter Matt Gelb wrote: “Phillies signed old friend Kolby Allard to a minor-league deal. He’s going to Triple A as rotation depth.”
Allard, a 28-year-old left-hander, spent part of 2024 with Philadelphia and later pitched for Cleveland. He opted out of a Guardians minor-league contract after posting a 4.11 ERA in 30 2/3 innings at Triple-A Columbus this season, with 28 strikeouts and nine walks.
Allard’s career major-league ERA sits at 5.47 over parts of nine seasons. He worked 65 innings for Cleveland in 2025 with a 2.63 ERA before struggling in a brief 2026 stint.
The Phillies have leaned on veteran depth while several starters have dealt with inconsistency or injury. Painter’s demotion highlighted the need for extra innings from experienced arms who can start or work long relief.
Wilson threw two scoreless innings in his first appearance after the call-up, showing the kind of flexibility the club wanted. Johnson has been used in shorter bursts.
Allard will report to Lehigh Valley and give the organization another left-handed option if a starter is needed later. He is out of options if added to the 40-man roster.
The Mets series marked the first test of the new mix. Philadelphia entered the set looking for innings from the new arrivals while keeping the bullpen from being overworked.
The moves reflect a midseason pattern for clubs hunting extra pitching as the schedule tightens and injuries mount. The Phillies continue to cycle arms between the majors and Triple-A to cover innings without committing long-term roster spots.
