Phillies Announce Roster Moves Before Braves Game on Saturday
The Philadelphia Phillies have hit some early adversity this season, as they're 8-11 and on a three-game losing streak. They've lost those three games by a combined score of 30-6, most recently falling 9-0 at home in their series opener against the Atlanta Braves.
On the bright side, the big-name players are performing for the Phillies thus far. First baseman Bryce Harler leads the squad with a .932 OPS, while left fielder Kyle Schwarber leads with six homers and 12 RBIs. Additionally, starting pitcher Cristopher Sanchez is 2-1 with a 2.01 ERA over four starts.
However, the pitching staff collectively has a 5.14 ERA, and the club announced on Saturday that closer Jhoan Duran (oblique) is now on the 15-day injured list, via social media.
"Prior to tonight's game against the Atlanta Braves, the Phillies announced the following roster moves:
Infielder/outfielder Felix Reyes had his contract selected from Triple-A Lehigh Valley and will wear No. 29.
Right-handed pitcher Seth Johnson was recalled from Triple-A Lehigh Valley.
Right-handed pitcher Jhoan Duran was placed on the 15-day injured list (retro to 4/15) with a left oblique strain.
Infielder/outfielder Otto Kemp was optioned to Triple-A Lehigh Valley.
Outfielder Pedro Leon was released," the announcement read.
Prior to tonight's game against the Atlanta Braves, the Phillies announced the following roster moves:
— Philadelphia Phillies (@Phillies) April 18, 2026
Infielder/outfielder Felix Reyes had his contract selected from Triple-A Lehigh Valley and will wear No. 29
Right-handed pitcher Seth Johnson was recalled from Triple-A…
Phillies Relievers Must Step Up Without Jhoan Duran
Duran entered Saturday tied for sixth in baseball with five saves while also sporting a 1.35 ERA over seven outings, so replacing his production over the coming days is no easy task. It doesn't help that fellow relievers Brad Keller (4.70 ERA), Jose Alvarado (10.50 ERA), Orion Kerkering (5.06 ERA), and Tanner Banks (4.70 ERA) are all struggling, while Jonathan Bowlan (groin) is on the 15-day injured list, per MLB.com.
Johnson, who allowed five runs (three earned) over 1.2 innings in a 13-7 win over the Chicago Cubs on Monday, will replace Duran for now. The 27-year-old made his season debut in that Cubs game and has a 9.72 ERA over 12 career outings (one start).
Meanwhile, Reyes has yet to play a big-league game but is hitting .333 with a .999 OPS, six homers, and 15 RBIs across 18 Triple-A games this season. The 25-year-old has played 374 minor-league games since 2021.
Saturday's matchup with the Braves starts at 7:15 p.m. ET on FOX. Sanchez will start on the mound for Philadelphia against Atlanta ace Chris Sale.
After that, the Phillies will play their series finale against the Braves at 7:20 p.m. ET on Sunday. That game will be on Peacock.
Related: Phillies Place Pitcher on IL in Roster Move on Monday
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This story was originally published April 18, 2026 at 4:05 PM.