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Key Phillies reliever sent to IL with brutal oblique injury
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- Key Phillies reliever sent to IL with brutal oblique injury
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With the trade deadline now in the rearview mirror, the Philadelphia Phillies have re-shifted their focus towards going on a deep playoff run. But now, one of their deadline acquisitions has been forced to hit the shelf.
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The Phillies placed relief pitcher Caleb Kilian on the injured list with a left oblique strain , via Charlotte Varnes of the Athletic. Fellow reliver Chase Shugart has been called up from Triple-A.
Kilian was acquired in the same trade that brought Luis Arraez from the San Francisco Giants to the Phillies. He made four appearances with Philadelphia prior to his injury, putting up a 13.50 ERA and a 3/2 K/BB ratio.
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Kilian's numbers looked stronger over his 45 appearances with the Giants, holding a 4.26 ERA and a 53/20 K/BB ratio. Perhaps his oblique issue was the root cause of his Philadelphia struggles. With Kilian looking at a potentially lengthy absence though, that all becomes a moot point. Once more tests are done, the Phillies will have a better idea of how much actual time the relief pitcher will miss.
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Shugart has appeared in 33 games at the major league level in 2026, holding a 4.93 ERA and a 45/16 K/BB ratio. The Phillies saw him record a much more impressive 3.40 ERA over 35 games with the Pittsburgh Pirates in 2025, so they know he is capable. Now it is up to Shugart to step up to the plate – or the mound in this case – in the wake of Kilian's injury.
The Phillies are well aware of how important their bullpen will become playoff time. No matter whose name is being called, they must be prepared.
Related: Phillies' Dave Dombrowski reveals thought process behind trade deadline strategy
Related: Phillies named top challenger for Dodgers in NL pennant race
