Phillies’ Bullpen Hopeful Max Lazar Sent to Triple-A After Struggles in Spring Training…
Max Lazar will remain a viable bullpen depth option for the Phillies this season, but he won’t be on the Opening Day roster.
As spring training progresses, anticipation for Opening Day continues to grow. Players are competing for roster spots, and the Philadelphia Phillies are still making decisions on their final lineup before heading north to face the Washington Nationals on March 27.
Throughout the first two rounds of roster cuts, the Phillies reassigned several top prospects to minor league camp. Shortstop Aidan Miller (No. 2 in the system) and outfielder Justin Crawford (No. 3) were moved in the first round, while right-handers Moisés Chace (No. 5) and Jean Cabrera (No. 11) were optioned to Double-A Reading in the second. The cuts continued through the weekend.
Lazar Optioned to Triple-A After Struggles on the Mound
After a 5-4 win over the Toronto Blue Jays on Saturday, the Phillies announced another roster move, sending right-handed reliever Max Lazar to Triple-A Lehigh Valley. Lazar, 25, aimed to earn a bullpen spot but struggled during Grapefruit League action, diminishing his chances.
In four spring appearances, he posted a 17.18 ERA and 3.00 WHIP across 3 2/3 innings, allowing seven hits (including two home runs), four walks, and striking out three. He did, however, finish strong with a clean final inning against Toronto before his demotion. With three minor league options remaining and a solid track record in Double- and Triple-A last season, Lazar could still contribute at some point this year.
After signing with the Phillies in December 2023, Lazar excelled in the minors, recording a 1.87 ERA and 0.85 WHIP over 43 1/3 innings, eventually earning a major league call-up. He impressed early in his MLB debut on August 10, tossing 1 1/3 scoreless innings, followed by a clean inning with two strikeouts the next day. However, after a stretch of seven shutout outings, he struggled late in the season, allowing seven runs on 11 hits in his final four appearances before being sent back to Triple-A.
Phillies Also Reassign Right-Hander Austin Schulfer
Ahead of Sunday’s game against the Baltimore Orioles, the Phillies announced another move, reassigning right-hander Austin Schulfer to minor league camp. Schulfer, 29, joined the Phillies on a minor league deal this offseason and made four spring appearances, posting an 8.10 ERA and 2.10 WHIP in 3 1/3 innings.
Originally a 19th-round pick by the Minnesota Twins in 2018, Schulfer spent last season in the Twins’ and Detroit Tigers’ systems, recording a 4.94 ERA across 54 2/3 minor league innings. He will serve as additional organizational depth for the Phillies in 2024.
