Alumni Check In: Tyler Phillips Dazzles with Phillies
(Philadelphia) - Tyler Phillips stepped out of the Phillies dugout at around 8:15 p.m. on Saturday night, looking to do something he had never done in his professional career. He was three outs shy of his first career nine-inning complete game, and complete-game shutout. Maybe five minutes later, Phillips pumped
(Philadelphia) - Tyler Phillips stepped out of the Phillies dugout at around 8:15 p.m. on Saturday night, looking to do something he had never done in his professional career. He was three outs shy of his first career nine-inning complete game, and complete-game shutout.
Maybe five minutes later, Phillips pumped his fists as the final out of the 8-0 win over the Cleveland Guardians dropped in the glove of newest Phillies' left fielder Austin Hays. The Phillies celebrated, and Phillips soaked in the moment of yet another impressive outing at the big league level.
“My body has never felt that before," Phillips said on the ovation he got when walking back out for the ninth inning. "You get chills and you’re trying not to laugh. You want to tear up, get choked up. I don’t know what was going on, but I felt like I was able to throw 100 miles per hour at the point. All I wanted to do was sit those guys back down.”
Phillips' professional career has spanned nearly a decade. He was drafted out of Bishop Eustace High School in the 16th round of the 2015 Draft by the Texas Rangers. With no major college offers on the table, Phillips opted to sign with Texas nearly four-months shy of his 18th birthday.
His time with the Rangers featured many highs and lows. Phillips was added to Texas' 40-man roster in 2019, but never made it to the big leagues. He was ultimately designated for assignment in 2021, then promptly claimed off waivers by the Phillies, the team he grew up rooting for.
After just five starts in the Phillies system, between Double-A Reading and High-A Jersey Shore. Phillips' season was over as he underwent Tommy John Surgery. He missed all of 2022 rehabbing and returned to action with Reading to open the 2023 season. Phillips was anointed the Fightin Phils opening day starter, something Phillips cited as an absolute honor.
A strong first half of 2023 with Reading, led to a call up to Triple-A Lehigh Valley for Phillips. He finished 2023 with the IronPigs and began the season there as well. Then, on July 5, Phillips was promoted to the big leagues and made his Major League debut.
Every outing with the Phillies, Phillips has continued to get stronger. That, of course, headed on Saturday night when he did something he had never done before.
“He’s been really good," Phillies Manager Rob Thomson said after Saturday night's game. "I think the velocity is up from his Triple-A numbers. His curve ball against lefties and sinker were really good with a lot of soft contact and a lot of ground balls.”
Phillips allowed just four hits in the Phillies 8-0 win over Cleveland, with the final coming in the fourth inning. He was locked in for the entire game, firing 105 pitches and 71 for strikes. There was never a doubt to Rob Thomson that Phillips would finish the game.
“I went downstairs and made sure he felt fine and strong," Thomson said. "I said to keep doing what you’re doing and finish this thing off. That’s what he did.”
It's been a long and winding journey for Phillips to reach the big leagues. No one players path to the Majors is linear. Some, like teammate Orion Kerkering reach the big leagues in one year. Others, like Phillips, take a little while longer. For the Lumberton, New Jersey, native, the nearly 10-year journey has become sweeter with each passing outing.
Phillips thought his big-league debut in Atlanta was cool, then he got his first win at Citizens Bank Park. He followed that with six-scoreless frames at Pittsburgh last week. But, he never could have expected it to get even better from there.
“I didn’t think anything could top that," Phillips said. "I talk about it all the time, it’s just preparation and doing my homework on guys. I’m going to continue to put the right work in. I know I have a good team behind me.”
Phillips' journey alone has been remarkable, regardless of the big league team he's playing with. But, Phillips is doing it with the team he grew up watching. He always has a ton of family and friends at games. It's always "more than I expect," Phillips chimed. He guesses outside of his immediate family, he has up to 40 people at games to watch him.
One of those is his son Frank. Phillips caught a first pitch from Frank prior to Reading's Father's Day game in 2023. A silver lining of his rehab in 2022 was getting to spend time being the best dad he can be to Frank, and now both of them are enjoying the moments that continue to build in Phillips' magical ride.
“He just wants to run around on the field, run the bases," Phillips said. "It’s pretty cool to see him be out there. He’s making friends with the other kids. He’s a bundle of energy.”
Rob Thomson said Phillips will continue to remain in the rotation. With Ranger Suarez, Taijuan Walker and Spencer Turnbull all sidelined, Phillips success has come at an important time for the Phillies rotation. He's going to keep going out there and helping his hometown team inch towards its ultimate goal of a World Championship.
But, as Phillips continues to establish himself as a big league pitcher. His main focus remains doing whatever he can to help the Phillies win, which is all he's done over his first three Major League starts. Ultimately though, it's the journey that got him there that Phillips will always remember every time he takes the mound.
“It’s a lot of learning over my career," Phillips said. "I’ve had a lot of failure and a lot of success. It’s trying to find the things that work and just stay within myself. The preparation is key for me.”
Catch Phillips former team when Reading returns home from Tuesday, July 30 through Sunday, August 4, against the Hartford Yard Goats, Double-A affiliate of the Colorado Rockies. Tuesday is the 21st Annual Morning Game, with the first 2,000 adults receiving a Cream Chipped Beef Hat, thanks to Reading Hospital. Wednesday, Thursday and Friday all feature fireworks. Wednesday's show is presented by Beneficial Society Victor Emmanuel II. Thursday's is sponsored by Riverfront Federal Credit Union and Friday's is thanks to PSECU. Saturday is a Tribute to Harry Potter, with the R-Phils wearing Harry Potter Jerseys. The night will end with Carpenter MEGA Blast Fireworks, presented by T-Mobile. The series ends Sunday with a Phillie Phanatic Appearance, presented by Berks County Intermediate Unit.
To buy tickets, call 610-370-BALL, go to rphils.com/tickets, or in person at the Customers Bank Ticket Office. The Fightin Phils Brentwood Industries Team Store is open both in-person and online 24/7 at rphils.com/shop.
The 2024 R-Phils season is presented by Pepsi. Follow the Fightin Phils on Twitter @ReadingFightins, like us on Facebook, or follow us on Instagram @Fightins.
Miller and Campbell Homer as Fightins are Walked Off by Somerset
BOX SCORE (Bridgewater, NJ) - A one-out walk-off single from Cole Gabrielson lifted the Somerset Patriots (5-5; 40-39) to a 4-3 win over the Reading Fightin Phils (5-5; 30-47) on Friday night from TD Bank Ballpark. With the win, the Patriots grab the 3-1 edge in this week's six-game series.
Reading Claims Independence from Somerset as Pitching Provides Thursday Night Fireworks
BOX SCORE (Reading, PA) — The Reading Fightin Phils (5-4, 30-46) defeated the Somerset Patriots (4-5, 39-39) 2-1 on Thursday. Reading starter Chuck King (W, 4-3) masterfully worked through 5.1 innings as Aidan Miller reached three times and Jose Rodriguez notched two hits, moving back over .500 in the second
Felix Reyes Named Phillies Minor League Hitter of the Month for June
(Reading, PA) - The Philadelphia Phillies announced on Thursday that Reading Fightin Phils infielder/outfielder Felix Reyes was named the Minor League Hitter of the Month for June. Reyes turned in an impressive June, where he slashed .324/.360/.620 (.980 OPS) over 18 games. The 24-year old added 14 runs, five doubles,
Assistant Director of Player Development Edwin Soto Talks Reading Prospects, Trade Deadline
(Reading, PA) — July is often regarded as one of the most important months on the Minor League Baseball calendar. With the All-Star Futures Game on July 12, the MLB Draft on July 13-14 and the trade deadline on July 31, the future of the Phillies’ organization will be severely
Celebrate Independence Day with the Fightin Phils on July 3
(Reading, PA) - The Reading Fightin Phils, Double-A affiliate of the Philadelphia Phillies, have a jam-packed night planned for fans on Thursday, July 3. Celebrate Independence Day at America's Classic Ballpark - a safe environment for the whole family to catch the game, enjoy a meal, have a blast and
Fightin Phils Drop Both Ends of Wednesday's Doubleheader
BOX SCORE 1 BOX SCORE 2 (Reading, PA) — The Reading Fightin Phils (4-4, 29-46) dropped both games of its doubleheader Wednesday to the Somerset Patriots (4-4, 39-38), falling behind 0-2 in the series. The Fightin Phils' pitchers walked eight batters and allowed four home runs, leading to a 9-4
Reading and Somerset to Play Doubleheader Wednesday July 2
(Reading, PA) - Following Tuesday night's postponement, the Reading Fightin Phils and Somerset Patriots will play a doubleheader on Wednesday July 2, with the first game beginning at 4:45 p.m. Both games will be seven innings and the second game will begin approximately 30 minutes after game one, but not
Reading and Somerset Rained Out Tuesday, July 1
“Ladies and gentlemen, we are sorry. Tonight’s 7/1 game is rained out. We had hoped to play tonight, but unfortunately tonight’s July 1st game is rained out. Again – tonight’s game, scheduled for July 1st, has been postponed due to rain. We apologize for the timing of this announcement, as
Four Trends from Reading's Series win at Richmond
(Reading, PA) — The Reading Fightin Phils ended the month of June and began the second half of the 2025 season in Richmond. Reading won four-of-six games over the Flying Squirrels and two straight over the weekend Here are four intriguing trends that stick out from the Fightin Phils series
Reading Fightin Phils welcome Somerset Patriots to Baseballtown
(Reading, PA) — The Reading Fightin Phils, Double-A affiliate of the Philadelphia Phillies, return home Tuesday to take on the Somerset Patriots, Double-A affiliate of the New York Yankees. The three-game homestand begins Tuesday at 7 p.m. and concludes Thursday night before moving to Somerset for the weekend. The first
Fightin Phils Start Off Second Half With Series Win
BOX SCORE (Richmond, VA) - The Reading Fightin Phils (4-2, 29-44) came out victorious against the Richmond Flying Squirrels (2-4, 23-50) 5-3 in the series finale on Sunday afternoon. With the win, the Fightin Phils earned the series win 4-2 against the Flying Squirrels. The Fightin Phils struck first in
Fightins Fly Past Squirrels on Saturday Night
BOX SCORE (Richmond, VA) - It was a wire-to-wire victory for the Reading Fightin Phils (3-2; 28-44), as they soared past the Richmond Flying Squirrels (2-3; 23-49) 4-2 on Saturday night to grab the 3-2 lead in this week's series. Paul McIntosh led off the top of the third inning
Fightin Phils Walked Off by Richmond Friday Night
BOX SCORE (Richmond, VA) - A three-run walk-off home run from Jairo Pomares gave the Richmond Flying Squirrels (2-2; 23-48) a 6-3 win over the Reading Fightin Phils (2-2; 27-44) on Friday night from The Diamond. Following Richmond's win, this week's series is tied at two. Reading struck first with
‘Throwback guy’: Phillies’ No. 15 prospect Carson DeMartini is Riding Retro Playstyle on Quick Rise Through Philadelphia System
Carson DeMartini was initially questioned by his father, Tommy, when he dove headfirst into second base at just nine years old. While many players that age are still learning the rules of the sport, DeMartini was already developing his hard-nosed play style. Tommy knew the recklessness could cause self-injury. It
Aoyagi and Neunborn Quiet Richmond Bats in Shutout Win
BOX SCORE (Richmond, VA) - Four-scoreless innings from Koyo Aoyagi in his Reading debut, and four-more shut down frames from Mitch Neunborn, led the Reading Fightin Phils (2-1; 27-43) to a 1-0 win over the Richmond Flying Squirrels (1-2; 22-48) on Thursday night from The Diamond. Aoyagi, making his first
More Space, More Style: Inside Reading’s Revamped Team Store
(Reading, PA) - Years ago, the rectangular space behind the Reading Fightin Phils’ dugout and under the first base stands housed legends. From Mike Schmidt and Ryne Sandberg to Ryan Howard and Jimmy Rollins, the clubhouse became a sanctuary for future Hall of Famers to mull over game plans and
Reading Fightin Phils Welcome Diamond Baseball Holdings as New Owner
READING, Pa. (June 25, 2025) — Craig Stein announced today the sale of the Reading Fightin Phils to Diamond Baseball Holdings (DBH), an organization that owns and operates select Minor League Baseball (MiLB) clubs affiliated with Major League Baseball (MLB). The Fightin Phils will remain as the Double-A affiliate of
Fightin Phils Drop First Game of Week at Richmond
BOX SCORE (Richmond, VA) - The Reading Fightin Phils (1-1, 25-42) fell to the Richmond Flying Squirrels (1-1, 21-46 ) 6-4 during a back-and-forth second game of the series on Wednesday afternoon. The Richmond Flying Squirrels struck first in the bottom of the first inning after a 2 RBI double
Fightin Phils Kick Off Second Half With Win Against Flying Squirrels
BOX SCORE (Richmond, VA) - The Reading Fightin Phils (1-0, 25-42) took game one of their series against the Richmond Flying Squirrels (0-1, 21-46) in a 6-3 victory on Tuesday night at The Diamond. The Fightin Phils took the early lead in the top of the first after Carson DeMartini
Four Trends from Reading's Series against Hartford
(Reading, PA) — The Reading Fightin Phils ended the first half of its season against the Hartford Yard Goats. Reading won two-of-six games. Here are four intriguing trends that stick out from the Fightin Phils series against Hartford: Hendry’s highlights Phillies’ No. 25 prospect Hendry Mendez put on a show
Fightin Phils End First Half with Loss to Yard Goats
BOX SCORE (Reading, PA) - The Reading Fightin Phils (25-42) fell to the Hartford Yard Goats (36-33) 9-1 Sunday to end the first half of the season. Reading fell behind early and couldn’t bounce back, losing the series 2-4. Estibenzon Jimenez (L, 0-1) debuted for the Fightin Phils on the
Fightin Phils Ride Season-High 17 Hits to 10 Run Win
BOX SCORE (Reading, PA) - The Reading Fightin Phils (25-41) dominated the Hartford Yard Goats (35-33) 12-2 Saturday for their second win of the series. The victory ended a two-game skid, marked the Fightin Phils' most hits in a game this season (17) and their most extra base hits in
Hendry Mendez Hits for Cycle as Reading Falls on Friday Night
BOX SCORE (Reading, PA) - The Reading Fightin Phils (24-41) fell to the Hartford Yard Goats (35-32) 8-5 Friday to fall behind 1-3 in the series. As Hendry Mendez stepped to the plate in the eighth inning, he was just a double away from history. On a 3-1 pitch, the
Binelas Two Homers Not Enough as Reading Falls to Hartford
BOX SCORE (Reading, PA) - The Reading Fightin Phils (24-40) dropped Wednesday’s game 6-4 to the Hartford Yard Goats (34-32), falling behind 1-2 in the series. First baseman Alex Binelas recorded two home runs, but the Fightin Phils’ bullpen allowed three late runs. Reading starter Griff McGarry returned to the
Fightin Phils fall 3-0 to Yard Goats Wednesday
BOX SCORE (Reading, PA) - The Reading Fightin Phils (24-37) were defeated 3-0 by the Hartford Yard Goats (32-32) Wednesday, moving to 1-1 in the series. Reading recorded just five hits and was shut out for the fourth time this season. Phillies No. 11 prospect Jean Cabrera (L, 1-4) quickly