Phillies add Holman, Marchán as rosters expand

PHOENIX -- The Phillies, fresh off a dominant 21-7 showing in August, got some September reinforcements for the stretch run when rosters expanded on Tuesday with the additions of reliever Grant Holman and catcher Rafael Marchán.

Holman, a 26-year-old right-hander, was acquired via waivers on May 7 after the Tigers designated him for assignment. He posted a 3.12 ERA over 20 appearances for Triple-A Lehigh Valley, with 25 strikeouts in 26 innings.​

“I've been feeling great,” Hollman said. “I came back from the IL a little before the All-Star break, and feel like I've been throwing the ball well since then. Just trying to stay confident and attack the zone with my stuff.”

He provides another option for interim manager Don Mattingly as he tries to ease the bullpen’s workload during the Phillies’ playoff push.

What was Mattingly’s first impression of Holman?

“He’s big. I just met him. Man,” Mattingly said. “I know he’s been around and it sounds like he’s been throwing the ball the best down there.”

The 6-foot-6 Holman is eager to be thrust into September baseball with a team that has eyes for October.

“I'm really excited to be here,” Holman said. “The team has been having a great year, making a playoff push, and I’m excited to be a part of it and do what I can to help the team.”

Holman got the nod for the extra September bullpen slot over 40-man roster pitchers like Kyle Backhus, Alan Rangel and Max Lazar, but they may still get their shot as Mattingly uses the roster flexibility to dip into the IronPigs’ bullpen when a fresh arm is needed.

Marchán’s arrival came as no surprise, as the Phils used the extra position-player spot to bring on a third catcher. Marchán had been with Lehigh Valley on a rehab assignment for tendinitis in his left knee, but he’s healthy now.

The third catcher will allow Mattingly to use speedy backup catcher Garrett Stubbs as a pinch-runner more freely, or to pinch-hit for Stubbs on days he starts behind the dish without taking away a rest day from starter J.T. Realmuto.

Mattingly did say he’ll still be hesitant to use Realmuto as a pinch-hitter on days he doesn’t start.

“I try not to, honestly, because usually he's catching a lot, so that day is like a little bit of a recovery day,” Mattingly said. “And if I try to [use him as a pinch-hitter], that means he has to start hitting in the cages early. He doesn't really get a day off.”