Phillies Showcase Bullpen Depth in Strong Start to Season

PHILADELPHIA, Pa. — The Philadelphia Phillies have made headlines with their impressive start to the 2025 MLB season, boasting a 5-1 record fueled by dominant performances and an effective bullpen strategy. The team’s resilient approach includes an intriguing closer by committee system managed by Rob Thomson, who has kept opponents guessing in late-game situations.

José Alvarado, a key figure in the bullpen, has been particularly noteworthy. In his third consecutive appearance on Thursday, he earned his first save of the season against the Colorado Rockies, despite facing a dramatic bases-loaded situation that required 35 pitches. Alvarado’s performance marks him as one of the top pitchers in the league with exceptional velocity; only two pitchers in the MLB have recorded faster fastballs than his own this year. “It’s three out of four [days]. It’s 35 pitches. We’re going to take care of him now,” said Thomson, acknowledging the need for careful management following Alvarado’s rigorous outing.

Despite the highlight reel performances, the Phillies are still adjusting their closer hierarchy following a rough Opening Day for new signee Jordan Romano. Following his initial struggles, Romano has rebounded with two scoreless outings, reinforcing his role as a secondary closer, especially against tough right-handed batters. Alvarado seems to be the primary option at closer when matchups favor his left-handed arm.

Thomson’s use of other bullpen arms illustrates a diverse strategy. Orion Kerkering, at just 24, has found success in crucial situations, typically in the sixth or seventh innings, but is not currently seen as a candidate for save opportunities. Veteran Matt Strahm is being utilized flexibly across various innings, while remaining relievers appear more suited for middle relief or lower leverage scenarios.

As the season unfolds, the Phillies’ success will depend heavily on bullpen depth and the ability to manage pitchers’ workloads effectively. The team last season employed eight different relievers for saves, showing the importance of versatility in their pitching approach. Alvarado led the team with only 13 saves, highlighting a departure from traditional closer roles seen in past seasons.

The Phillies hope that with a strong starting rotation and an offense averaging six runs per game, the bullpen can maintain its effectiveness and resilience in high-pressure situations. With different arms capable of stepping up, Thomson has built a robust system that aims to spread the workload and reduce the risk associated with over-reliance on any single pitcher.