The Philadelphia Phillies continue to shuffle their bullpen, largely due to multiple injuries affecting their right-handed relievers.
Jonathan Bowlan was the first to hit the injured list at the start of the Chicago Cubs series, leading to Seth Johnson’s call-up. Chase Shugart replaced him on Tuesday, and now yet another righty is sidelined.
The team announced that Zach Pop has been placed on the injured list with a calf strain, retroactive to April 13. To fill the vacancy, left-hander Kyle Backhus has been recalled from Triple-A Lehigh Valley for the finale against the Cubs.
The move comes after a tough loss Tuesday night, dropping Philadelphia to 8–9. With the series on the line, the Phillies regain a familiar bullpen arm but lose Pop for the near future.
Pop posted a 3.68 ERA over 7.1 innings in seven appearances this season before getting hurt. His last outing came as an opener, where he worked two innings, gave up three hits, and allowed one run.
Backhus, known for his unconventional delivery, now takes his spot. He carries a 9.00 ERA through four games and three innings, giving up three runs (all on Opening Day against the Texas Rangers) and one homer while striking out four. Since that rough first outing, he hasn’t allowed a run and now gets another chance to prove himself at the major-league level while Pop recovers.
