Phillies' Alex McFarlane: Opening season at Double-A
Rotowire
The Phillies optioned McFarlane to Double-A Reading on Sunday.
McFarlane was awarded a spot on the Phillies' 40-man roster over the winter after turning in a 4.84 ERA, 1.38 WHIP and 82:43 K:BB over 80 innings between Reading and High-A Jersey Shore in his first season back in action following his September 2023 Tommy John surgery.The 24-year-old righty is regarded as one of the more exciting young arms in the Philadelphia system, but he's likely at least a year away from contributing for the big club.
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Phillies' Alex McFarlane: Protected from Rule 5 Draft
Rotowire
The Phillies selected McFarlane's contract from Double-A Reading on Tuesday.
McFarlane made his return from Tommy John surgery in 2025 and spent most of the season with High-A Jersey Shore, posting a 4.79 ERA and 1.35 WHIP over 73.1 innings. The right-hander is likely still a couple years away from seeing the majors, but the Phillies still opted to protect him from the upcoming Rule 5 Draft.
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Phillies' Alex McFarlane: Looks healthy for 2025 season
Rotowire
McFarlane (elbow) is listed on the Philadelphia roster for its March 14 Spring Breakout game against Pittsburgh prospects, Todd Zolecki of MLB.com reports.
The 23-year-old righty McFarlane appears to be heading into the 2025 season at full health after he didn't pitch in 2024 while recovering from his September 2023 Tommy John surgery. Before requiring surgery that season, McFarlane made 16 starts for Single-A Clearwater and turned in a 5.84 ERA, 1.71 WHIP and 68:38 K:BB in 49.1 innings.
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Phillies' Alex McFarlane: Recovering from Tommy John surgery
Rotowire
McFarlane, who underwent Tommy John surgery in September, is on the 60-day injured list at Single-A Clearwater and will miss the 2024 season, Jonathan Mayo of MLB.com reports.
The timing of McFarlane's procedure should allow him to be fully recovered for spring training in 2025. The 22-year-old righty has big stuff and shaky command and could eventually end up in the bullpen.
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Phillies' Alex McFarlane: Lands on IL
Rotowire
Single-A Clearwater placed McFarlane on its 7-day injured list Saturday with an unspecified injury.
The 22-year-old right-hander has piled up 68 strikeouts over 49.1 innings, but his struggles with walks (16.3 BB%) have played a large role in him carrying a bloated 5.84 ERA and 1.71 WHIP through 16 starts. It's unclear if his injury is significant enough to cut short his second professional season.
