The Philadelphia Phillies have bolstered their pitching staff by claiming right-handed pitcher José Urquidy off waivers from the Chicago White Sox. This move comes in response to the recent placement of All-Star pitcher Jesús Luzardo on the injured list due to left shoulder inflammation, leaving a significant gap in the Phillies' rotation.
Urquidy, 31, began the 2026 season with the Pittsburgh Pirates before being traded to the White Sox in late July. Over the course of the season, he has appeared in 11 games (one start), recording a 2-2 record with a 5.28 ERA and one save. His experience includes a tenure with the Houston Astros from 2019 to 2023, during which he contributed to their 2022 World Series championship.
Phillies manager Don Mattingly indicated that Urquidy is expected to play a role in the upcoming series against the New York Mets, either as a starter or following an opener in a bulk relief role. This strategy aims to mitigate the impact of Luzardo's absence and provide stability to the pitching staff during the critical final stretch of the regular season.
To accommodate Urquidy on the 40-man roster, the Phillies transferred right-hander Caleb Kilian to the 60-day injured list, effectively ending his season. This roster adjustment underscores the team's commitment to maintaining depth and competitiveness as they pursue a postseason berth.
Urquidy's addition offers the Phillies a seasoned arm with postseason experience, potentially serving as a valuable asset as they navigate the challenges of the remaining schedule and aim for success in the playoffs.