SAD NEWS: Phillies Release Another Struggling Pitcher From First Term

SAD NEWS: Phillies Release Another Struggling Pitcher From First Term

## SAD NEWS: Phillies Release Another Struggling Pitcher From First Term

**Philadelphia, PA** — In a disappointment to both fans and front office alike, the Philadelphia Phillies have released **Joe Ross**, a right‑handed pitcher in his first season with the club, following a campaign marred by inconsistency and ineffective performance.

### The Decision and Context

The move was announced shortly after Ross’s latest rough outing in a lopsided loss to the Mets, where the Phillies allowed 13 runs. ([Reuters][1]) Ross, who had been signed to a one‑year deal worth about $4 million, posted a 5.12 ERA over 36 relief appearances (plus one start) and struggled to hold steady throughout the season. ([Houston Chronicle][2])

Club officials cited performance rather than injury or off‑field issues as the reason. “Really just performance more than anything,” manager Rob Thomson explained. ([Houston Chronicle][2]) The release marks a stark turn for a pitcher who arrived with some expectation of contributing to the bullpen, but never quite found a groove.

### Ross’s Struggles in Philadelphia

Ross, 32, had dealt with uneven stretches during his professional career, but his tenure with the Phillies proved particularly frustrating. His season line included:

* 2 wins, 1 loss
* 5.12 ERA
* 51 innings pitched
* Escalating inconsistency in late appearances ([Houston Chronicle][2])

He allowed multiple runs in what would become his final outing, prompting the team’s decision to cut bait. ([Houston Chronicle][2])

### The Larger Picture: Phillies’ Pitching Moves

Ross is not the only pitcher to face upheaval this season. Earlier, the Phillies placed their new closer **Jordan Romano** on the injured list due to finger inflammation, citing that the injury may have contributed to his erratic velocity. ([Reuters][1]) Romano had struggled mightily in his first season with the club, compiling an 8.23 ERA over 49 relief appearances. ([Reuters][1])

The Phillies also made adjustments to their rotation: veteran **Walker Buehler** signed with the club after being released by Boston, giving them a depth option as injuries mounted. ([Reuters][3]) On the injury front, ace **Zack Wheeler** was placed on the injured list after a blood clot was discovered near his shoulder and would undergo season‑ending surgery for thoracic outlet syndrome. ([Reuters][4])

### Implications & What’s Next

* **Short-term bullpen shift**: The Phillies will need to fill Ross’s vacated relief innings. Already, they have promoted **Lou Trivino** and recalled **Daniel Robert** from Triple-A to help bolster the bullpen. ([Reuters][1])
* **Roster flexibility**: Releasing Ross frees up a roster spot, allowing the club more flexibility ahead of postseason roster decisions.
* **Evaluation of acquisition strategies**: Ross serve as a cautionary tale — even seasoned arms can struggle to adapt, especially in a high-pressure environment like Philadelphia.

For Ross personally, this release will likely lead him back to free agency. At his age and with this season’s results, it may be challenging to land a major league deal, though his experience could make him a candidate for minor league or bullpen depth roles.

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