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The Phillies are Calling Up Bryan De La Cruz
By Luke Arcaini
Published:
The Phillies announced that they’re calling up Bryan De La Cruz ahead of Tuesday night’s game vs. the Dodgers.
To make a spot for De La Cruz on the 26-man roster, Garrett Stubbs was placed on the 10-day IL, retroactive to July 18th, with left wrist inflammation.
De La Cruz, 29, agreed to a minor-league contract back in November with the Phillies and has spent his entire 2026 season with the Iron Pigs down in Triple-A. Earlier in the month, De La Cruz exercised an upward-mobility clause in his contract, but with the Phillies’ lack of outfield depth, they added him to the 40-man roster before De La Cruz could explore another opportunity.
The right-handed hitting outfielder has crushed the ball in Triple-A over his last 16 games, slashing ..377/.476/.566 with 20 hits, 1 home run, and 7 RBIs over that stretch of 53 at-bats.
The Phillies outfield, like it has been all season, and previous seasons, is hot and cold. Brandon Marsh worked his way up to an All-Star starter after a dominating first half of the season, but is hitting just .235 over his last 30 games. Derek Hill only plays against lefties. Gabriel Rincones Jr, after a big game on Monday night vs. the Dodgers, is hitting .176 with a .516 OPS since being called up.
Over the next four games, the Phillies will face three left-handed starters, including the last two games of the Dodgers series. That’s been De La Cruz’s specialty throughout his entire Major and Minor League career. In 2026, De La Cruz is hitting .313 with a .389 OBP and .889 OPS against southpaws.
With the trade deadline just 13 days away, the Phillies need to see what they have throughout their organization. A right-handed bat seems to always be needed for this team when we get to the deadline; but with Brad Keller out for the year, a high-leverage bullpen arm, or maybe two, seems to be at the top of the priority list, along with a starter to take over the 5th spot in the Phillies rotation.
Luke Arcaini has been writing about the Phillies for 6 seasons, and is now in his 2nd year covering for Phillies down at Citizens Bank Park for Crossing Broad. Follow him on Twitter @ArcainiLuke