MIAMI -- Tyler Phillips viewed his first start of the season more like relief work that just happened to begin in the first inning during the Marlins’ 4-0 win over the Mets on Sunday at loanDepot park.
That’s because whenever the Marlins right-hander makes the walk from the bullpen to the mound, he feels his alter ego dominate.
“I guess they call that starting. I don't know,” Phillips said ahead of Sunday’s outing. “When I get called, it could be whatever weird situation -- an eight-run game, a tie game. I've closed this year. I've come into weird spots. No matter what the situation is, I'm just gonna go out there and do my job the best I can.”
Phillips took over a rotation spot that has seen constant change for Miami this season. The role was previously held by Marlins No. 2 prospect Robby Snelling, who replaced Chris Paddack before undergoing left elbow UCL repair surgery following his Major League debut on May 8.
Braxton Garrett was the next arm to get an opportunity, but he was optioned to Triple-A after posting a 14.54 ERA across two starts this season. Paddack, meanwhile, was designated for assignment after going 0-6 with a 7.63 ERA.
It might take a couple of starts to fully build up Phillips, but the opportunity is there for him to run with the spot, especially with manager Clayton McCullough knowing the move is still reversible later in the season.
Phillips' longest outing this year came against the Mets, throwing 3 2/3 innings while striking out four on 59 pitches. Surrendering two hits and generating a 40% whiff rate while relying on the sinker, curveball and splitter.
“We pitched terrifically all series long,” McCullough said after the game. “I thought Tyler’s first start was great. We saw the strikeouts, the swing and miss. From that end, it was good.
“He got to the pitch count we were hoping for today. He looked great starting [and] everyone else who has taken the ball in this series has thrown very well.”
Coming into the game, Phillips had not allowed a run in 6 2/3 career innings against the Mets, all coming in relief. With his latest performance, he shrunk his ERA to 1.07.
The 28-year-old came up as a starter in the Phillies organization and found early success in the Majors. He posted a 1.80 ERA through his first four career starts, including a shutout against the Guardians on July 27, 2024.
Miami acquired Phillips shortly before the 2025 season and transitioned him into a bullpen role, though there had already been discussions about building him back up as a starter toward the end of last year.
“I did love the bullpen. Something about being out there, it's weird,” Phillips said.”I just kind of reacted to the game. They called my name and [I] was like, ‘Hey, OK,’ and then I get up there and it's like the switch flips.”
Phillips’ previous Major League start came in on Sept. 7, 2025, against the Phillies, when he allowed one earned run over 2 2/3 innings with one walk and three strikeouts.
Since then, he has entered games whenever his manager signaled the bullpen. Entering Sunday, Phillips had completed at least three innings in four of his 15 appearances while carrying a 1.20 ERA.
“In recent weeks, he’s been throwing the ball terrifically,” McCullough said. “His arsenal is much deeper. It’s better than it was in the past with how the split’s come along and the velocity he’s been showing. I think he has the pitch mix to go and do this.”