Philly Leader

The Philadelphia Phillies have signed veteran right-hander Joe Ross to a one-year contract, enhancing their pitching depth. This signing follows the acquisition of Jesús Luzardo from the Miami Marlins, who is now favored for the team's final rotation spot. Ross offers an additional starting option until top prospect Andrew Painter is ready.

Phillies' President of Baseball Operations Dave Dombrowski shared that Painter's 2025 pitching plan excludes Spring Training participation. Despite Painter's impressive performance in the Arizona Fall League, where he posted a 2-0 record with a 2.30 ERA over six starts, the team intends to preserve his innings for later in the season.

“We think it’s a good plan,” Dombrowski said. “He’ll build up at some point through the Minors, but we’re going to save a lot of his innings until we get to July-ish for the big league level."

Luzardo will join Zack Wheeler, Aaron Nola, Ranger Suárez, and Cristopher Sánchez in the rotation. Meanwhile, Ross will serve as bullpen support and be available for spot starts.

Dombrowski mentioned that both Luzardo and Ross were acquired quickly. "We were looking for somebody else to take the fifth spot and have flexibility," he stated regarding Ross's role before Luzardo became available.

Ross had a 3.77 ERA last season with Milwaukee Brewers across ten starts and fifteen relief appearances. After returning from injury mid-season, he excelled in relief with a 1.67 ERA over fifteen outings.

The addition of Ross complements recent bullpen signing Jordan Romano as they prepare for potential free-agent departures like Jeff Hoffman and Carlos Estévez.

Currently, Philadelphia's bullpen includes four right-handers (Ross, Romano, Orion Kerkering, José Ruiz) and three left-handers (José Alvarado, Matt Strahm, Tanner Banks). There remains one open spot likely contested during Spring Training.

“I think it's pretty well set at this time,” Dombrowski concluded about their bullpen setup.