The Philadelphia Phillies are scrambling to stabilize their bullpen after a series of moves that signal a deepening crisis. With reliever José Ruiz designated for assignment following a disastrous outing, the team’s roster is once again under the microscope. Fans and analysts alike are questioning who might be next to lose their spot on the roster as the Phillies fight to keep their World Series hopes alive.
Ruiz’s departure was the first domino to fall after his ERA ballooned to 8.16, culminating in a brutal five-run inning during Saturday’s blowout loss to the Milwaukee Brewers. The Phillies’ decision to DFA him was both a wake-up call and a message that underperformance won’t be tolerated on a roster with championship aspirations.
Following Ruiz’s exit, attention has quickly turned to other pitchers whose tenuous hold on their Phillies careers is showing signs of strain. Weston Wilson, Joe Ross, and Carlos Hernández have all struggled in different ways, raising doubts about their ability to contribute meaningfully as the season progresses.
Weston Wilson’s story is one of early promise that’s met with recent disappointment. Drafted in the 17th round by the Brewers in 2016, Wilson’s journey to the majors has been long and winding. Since debuting with the Phillies in 2023, he’s delivered memorable moments including a home run in his first MLB at-bat and a cycle last August. However, 2025 has not been kind to Wilson, whose batting average sits at a disappointing .179 with a .589 OPS.
Injuries haven’t helped Wilson’s cause either. An oblique strain sidelined him for a critical stretch, and since returning he’s struggled to recapture the form that made him a strong left-handed bat off the bench. His recent misplay in left field contributed to a key double in Sunday’s loss, further putting his spot in jeopardy.
Unlike Ruiz, Wilson still has minor league options remaining, which gives the Phillies flexibility. But his lack of production means he could soon find himself back in Triple-A, forced to work on his swing and defense in hopes of earning another shot.
Joe Ross’s situation tells a familiar story of a veteran pitcher caught in the crosshairs of a beleaguered bullpen. Signed for $4 million to be a reliable middle-innings reliever, Ross’s 2025 campaign has been uneven, featuring stretches of competence overshadowed by inconsistency. His 4.50 ERA and 1.32 WHIP reflect an inability to limit hard contact, which has led to 30 hits allowed over 28 innings.
The lack of depth in the Phillies bullpen has placed Ross in high-leverage situations he’s struggled to manage. While his experience is valuable, the team’s trust in him is eroding as home runs and hits pile up against him, diminishing his chances of maintaining a stable role.
Carlos Hernández is the most glaring problem in the bullpen. Despite being a frequent target of criticism, Hernández remains on the roster primarily because the Phillies lack alternatives. His command issues have led to 15 earned runs over 22 innings, and he’s often deployed only in blowout situations to minimize damage.
It’s becoming clear that Hernández is overmatched at the major league level. His continued presence on the roster is a symptom of the Phillies’ bullpen woes rather than a reflection of his value. If new arms like Mick Abel and Seth Johnson continue to impress, and if the Phillies make the expected trades for bullpen reinforcements, Hernández could be the next to receive the DFA notice.
As the Phillies navigate these challenges, their ability to shore up the bullpen will be critical to their postseason aspirations. With the trade deadline approaching, expect the team to be aggressive in acquiring proven relief help while making tough roster decisions that could reshape their pitching staff for the stretch run.