The Phillies’ need for a late-inning reliever at the Trade Deadline has been magnified.
The club announced Thursday that setup man Brad Keller has a right elbow UCL tear. The right-hander’s next steps are unclear, but the injury will likely end his 2026 season. Right-handed pitcher Seth Johnson was recalled from Triple-A Lehigh Valley in a corresponding move.
Keller, who signed a two-year deal with Philadelphia last December, was activated from the injured list on July 8 after missing about three weeks due to right forearm tendinitis. He pitched a scoreless inning that evening against the Reds, his only appearance before the All-Star break.
The 30-year-old reliever has recorded a 4.02 ERA with 32 strikeouts through 31 1/3 innings this season. He leads the team with 13 holds.
Keller’s absence leaves a significant void in the Phils’ bullpen, which is already an area of focus for the club leading up to the Aug. 3 Trade Deadline. MLB Network insider Jon Heyman wrote earlier this week in the New York Post (subscription required) that the Phillies seek to add multiple relievers ahead of the Deadline.
Johnson, in his third Major League season, has made 11 relief appearances for the Phillies this year and has allowed nine earned runs over 11 1/3 innings. He’s had much more success at Triple-A, posting a 2.17 ERA and 40 K’s across 29 frames.