The Philadelphia Phillies received a encouraging update surrounding their bullpen on Thursday.
Right-handed reliever Brad Keller is heading to begin a minor league rehab assignment with Triple-A Lehigh Valley on Friday.
Keller last pitched for the Phillies on June 13 before being placed on the 15-day injured list with right forearm tendinitis.
The 30-year-old was signed to the Phillies during the offseason with a two-year $22 million contract. He had previously pitched with the Kansas City Royals, Chicago White Sox, Boston Red Sox and Chicago Cubs.
Keller is on track to be reinstated from the injured list before the All-Star break.
Keller had been an average relief pitcher over his nine big league seasons, but truly emerged as a force with the Cubs in 2025.
In 2025, he pitched to a 2.07 ERA with 75 strikeouts in 69 1/3 innings.
The Phillies signed him to be their setup man, and complete the bridge to closer Jhoan Duran.
Unfortunately, Keller's season has not gotten off to the start Philadelphia was hoping for.
Through 30 1/3 innings for the team, Keller is posting a 4.15 ERA with 31 strikeouts, 12 walks and three saves.
Before his injury, it was not looking brighter for Keller, as he posted a 5.40 ERA in his last seven appearances.
Nonetheless, the Phillies bullpen needs him. The Phillies sit in the middle of the pack in bullpen ERA with a 4.04.
If Keller can get back to his 2025 form fully heathy, the Phillies bullpen can be a lethal force.
We will hear more about Keller status after his first rehab appearance on Friday, July 3.
