The Phillies have announced five roster moves, the most notable John DuranPlaced on the 15-day disabled list (as of April 15) due to a strained left oblique. The right hand Seth Johnson and the user Felix Reyes they were promoted from Triple-A in other moves, and Reyes’ contract was designated to the 40-man roster for the first time. Utilityman Otto Kemp optioned to Triple-A, and an outfielder Pedro Leon he was released.
Duran hasn’t pitched since last Saturday, but since the Phillies went 1-4 with a day off during that stretch, the lack of use was thought to be due to game conditions rather than injury. More details on Duran’s injury and the severity of the injury should emerge later today when manager Rob Thomson meets with the media, but unless the closer has a very mild strain, Duran will likely be looking at at least a month on the shelf.
It’s a big loss for the Phillies team that started well with 8-11. While the bullpen as a whole has been shaky, Duran has been a steady force in the backfield. The closer has a 1.35 ERA, a 33.3% strikeout rate, and zero walks over 6 2/3 innings, while recording a save in all five of his chances.
There is no obvious candidate to step into the ninth inning role, so the Phils may be exploring a committee situation until Duran is healthy. Jose Alvarado he has a lousy 10.50 ERA over six innings, though that number is boosted by a whopping .450 BABIP and Alvarado has past closing experience. Brad Keller, Orion Kerkeringor Tanner Banks may also receive other save opportunities depending on the in-game situation.
Kemp got just 22 trips to the plate this season, but just two hits in that small sample size led to a .282 OPS and a ticket back to the Lehigh Valley. Replacing Kemp as a multi-position bench player is Reyes, who will be making his MLB debut as soon as he enters the game.
Reyes was signed to the Phillies overseas through 2020, and is not considered a top-30 prospect for Philadelphia in the eyes of Baseball America or MLB Pipeline. The 25-year-old didn’t make his Triple-A debut until six games with Lehigh Valley in 2025, but he has come out of the gates this season hitting .333/.345/.654 with six home runs over 84 PA. This production comes on the heels of an impressive Double-A season in 2025 in which Reyes was named the Eastern League MVP for his career (.335/.365/.572 with 15 homers and 13 steals over 395 PA) reading.
It’s unlikely that Reyes will hit anything close to that level against MLB pitching, yet the Phillies lose nothing by giving the hot hitter a chance in place of the unproductive Kemp. Reyes has experience in both the outfield and the corner infield slot, so the Phils may look to give Reyes some work at third base. Alec Bohm‘s bat has been ice cold.
Leon was claimed by the Orioles via waiver wire in November, and his brief stint on the 40-man roster did not result in an appearance on the active roster. Leon was hitting .285/.358/.326 over his first 53 PA at the Triple-A level this season, and while Leon still has a minor league option remaining, it’s possible the Phillies just valued the 40-man slot more than anything they felt Leon could offer the organization. The 27-year-old is heading back to the open market looking for another chance to build on his MLB limited of seven games and 21 PA with the 2024 Astros.
