The Phillies have turned to Bryan De La Cruz as they look for more production from the right side of the plate. The outfielder was activated Tuesday from Triple-A Lehigh Valley, while catcher Garrett Stubbs went on the 10-day injured list with left wrist inflammation.
De La Cruz arrives as the Phillies prepare to face consecutive left-handed starters, creating an immediate opportunity for a hitter who performed well against lefties in Triple A. Philadelphia’s right-handed hitters have posted a .217 average and .633 OPS, both the lowest marks in baseball among right-handed batters.
Roster Moves
| Player | Roster Move | Key Detail |
|---|---|---|
| Bryan De La Cruz | Activated from Triple-A Lehigh Valley | Hit .269 with an .806 OPS in 84 Triple-A games |
| Garrett Stubbs | Placed on 10-day injured list | Dealing with left wrist inflammation |
De La Cruz signed a minor-league contract with the Phillies during the winter and spent time in major league camp. He already has 491 major league games of experience since 2021 across three teams, but had not secured a lasting role after the Yankees designated him for assignment last July.
The call came Monday while De La Cruz was eating at the Brazilian steakhouse Fogo de Chão. Triple-A Lehigh Valley manager Chris Adamson informed him that he was heading back to the majors.
“I just want to thank God, mainly,” De La Cruz said through team interpreter Diego D’Aniello. “We just have to keep the faith up and just believe and keep going. Keep advancing, keep moving on, and it doesn’t matter how hard it gets. … You can always make it back up, and you just have to believe and be thankful for the opportunity to be here.”
A Timely Matchup Against Left-Handers
According to www.inquirer.com, De La Cruz hit .313 in 48 Triple-A at-bats against left-handed pitching, with three doubles and two home runs. He was recalled before the Dodgers’ Justin Wrobleski started Tuesday and Eric Lauer was lined up for Wednesday’s series finale.
At Lehigh Valley, De La Cruz played primarily left field while also appearing in right field and at designated hitter. His defensive versatility could give the Phillies options as they seek a response from their struggling right-handed bats.
“I’d be lying if I said that I wasn’t up to date with what the team was doing here at the big league level, but my focus was and is always going to be to focus on where I’m at,” De La Cruz said. “Down in the minors, that was my main focus, just trying to perform and trying to help where I was. And now I’m here, and I’ll try to do the same.”
Stubbs had been the third catcher on the roster after his contract was selected on April 22. He made 20 appearances, including nine starts, and hit .179 in 28 at-bats.
His final two appearances, on July 6 in Kansas City and July 10 in Detroit, came as a pitcher during blowouts. Aaron Nola, who is 3-7 with a 5.68 ERA, is scheduled to start Wednesday against Lauer, who is 4-5 with a 4.81 ERA.