The Philadelphia Phillies have remained firmly in the National League playoff race despite posting an impressive 31-22 record since May 18, but one glaring weakness continues to threaten their postseason ambitions. As the trade deadline approaches, the club’s revolving door at the fifth spot in the starting rotation has become an increasingly urgent issue that the front office may no longer be able to ignore.
Every time the Phillies reach the fifth starter in their rotation, the results have followed a troubling pattern. Philadelphia has not won a game started by its fifth starter since May 18, when top prospect Andrew Painter earned his last major league victory. Since then, the Phillies have gone 0-8 in games started by Painter, Alan Rangel, or various bullpen openers, turning what should be a competitive matchup into what has become an almost automatic disadvantage.
Manager Don Mattingly acknowledged the concern following Sunday’s 6-1 loss to the New York Mets, emphasizing that the club is not expecting dominance from the back end of the rotation—only enough to keep the team in contention.
“We’re not asking a ton out of that spot,” Mattingly said. “Just keep us in the game.”
Instead, the Phillies have struggled to receive even league-average production from the role. Throughout the season, Taijuan Walker, Andrew Painter, Tim Mayza, Alan Rangel, Tanner Banks, Zach Pop, and Kyle Backhus have all taken turns filling the fifth starter position, but none have been able to provide lasting stability.
Collectively, Phillies fifth starters have posted alarming numbers this season, combining for 89.1 innings while surrendering 120 hits and issuing 40 walks. They have struck out 77 batters but own a bloated 7.17 ERA, leaving the club constantly trying to overcome early deficits.
Those struggles have placed additional pressure on one of baseball’s strongest lineups and an otherwise dependable pitching staff. Had Philadelphia received more consistent performances from the back of its rotation, the race atop the NL East could look significantly different heading into the second half.
Alan Rangel, the latest pitcher to receive an opportunity, has yet to establish himself as the long-term answer. The 27-year-old is 0-3 with a 5.40 ERA across six appearances, including three starts, while moving back and forth between the major league club and Triple-A Lehigh Valley following Painter’s demotion.
Although Rangel showed flashes earlier in his stint, his recent outings have been disappointing. Over his last two starts, he has posted a 10.14 ERA while allowing too many baserunners and struggling to pitch deep into games. He has recorded 26 strikeouts against 12 walks this season while carrying a 1.59 WHIP.
Following Sunday’s defeat, Rangel admitted he must improve his performance early in games.
“I need to have a little more success at the beginning of my starts,” Rangel said through team interpreter Diego D’Aniello. “I just have to keep fighting until it comes together.”
The Phillies’ lack of reliable alternatives has only complicated the situation.
Veteran Taijuan Walker was released earlier this season and later granted his release by the Los Angeles Angels, eliminating any possibility of a reunion. Bryse Wilson, who initially served as organizational depth, was claimed off waivers and is now with the Milwaukee Brewers after a brief stop with the Chicago Cubs.
Another former pitching prospect, Jean Cabrera, has also fallen out of the organization’s immediate plans. After beginning the year as one of Philadelphia’s more promising young arms and starting the club’s Spring Breakout Game, Cabrera was demoted to Double-A Reading before being removed from the 40-man roster earlier this month.
The Phillies are also exercising caution with Andrew Painter, once expected to solidify the rotation. Since being sent back to Triple-A Lehigh Valley, Painter owns a 6.39 ERA across three starts and is currently working on refining parts of his repertoire while pitching on an extended schedule. Although he is expected to make another minor league start this week, the organization has not committed to a timetable for his return to the majors.
Behind Painter, the internal options remain limited. Brian Keller has impressed with a 2.23 ERA in eight starts at Triple-A Lehigh Valley, while Chuck King has produced respectable numbers with 61 strikeouts over 66.2 innings. However, neither pitcher is currently on the Phillies’ 40-man roster, meaning additional roster moves would be required before either could receive a major league opportunity.
Highly regarded prospect Gage Wood has continued to impress at Double-A Reading and recently delivered a dominant nine-strikeout performance, but the Phillies remain committed to his long-term development. The organization has carefully monitored his workload throughout the season, and Wood has yet to pitch beyond five innings in any outing, making an immediate promotion unlikely.
With the August 3 trade deadline rapidly approaching, Philadelphia appears increasingly likely to explore the pitching market in search of a dependable starter capable of stabilizing the back end of the rotation. Until then, the Phillies are expected to navigate at least two more turns through a fifth starter role that has become one of the club’s biggest obstacles in its pursuit of another postseason run.
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