{"id":280407,"date":"2025-08-29T19:24:10","date_gmt":"2025-08-29T19:24:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/mlb\/280407\/"},"modified":"2025-08-29T19:24:10","modified_gmt":"2025-08-29T19:24:10","slug":"mlb-september-call-ups-phillies-likely-to-play-it-safe-in-september","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/mlb\/280407\/","title":{"rendered":"MLB September Call-Ups: Phillies Likely to Play it Safe in September"},"content":{"rendered":"

As MLB rosters expand on September 1, the Philadelphia Phillies gain two additional spots for the run to Red October. Fans are eager to see top prospects like Andrew Painter and Justin Crawford make their Big-League debuts, however, with the Phillies limited to a 28-man active roster and a 14-pitcher maximum<\/a>, the team must balance immediate contributors with developmental opportunities. This often means the two call-ups will be practical choices\u2014players who can provide bullpen depth or infield versatility rather than high-risk prospects. Still, there\u2019s always a chance that the front office rewards a standout minor leaguer with a taste of big-league action before the season ends.<\/p>\n

Likely September 2025 Call-Ups
\nPitcher Options<\/p>\n

RHP Max Lazar: A reliable depth arm with Triple-A success \u2014 3.38 ERA and 21 strikeouts across 21-\u2153 innings. He\u2019s had some success with the Phillies and a practical choice to bridge innings.
\nRHP Alan Rangel: Already threw 11-innings with the big club the with a 2.45 ERA, he offers solid innings and versatility \u2014 especially helpful with Jos\u00e9 Alvarado\u2019s recent return and bullpen juggling ahead of October.<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

Position Player Options<\/p>\n

UTL Otto Kemp: Already made his MLB debut this season, earning roster trust. Had a strong Triple-A showing and is a versatile veteran pick-up to provide infield depth down the stretch.
\nC (and clubhouse DJ) Garrett Stubbs: A familiar club presence whose energy and clubhouse leadership could elevate morale down the stretch.<\/p>\n

Stubby goes deep \ud83d\udcaa#ironpigs<\/a> #baseball<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/TLMVBno4dv<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 Lehigh Valley IronPigs (@IronPigs) August 20, 2025<\/a><\/p>\n

Who Fans Want to See<\/p>\n

OF Justin Crawford: The Fightins\u2019 No. 3 prospect is tearing up Triple-A \u2014 hitting over .326 with strong steals and on-base production. But his path is blocked by a crowded outfield, making a September call-up more symbolic than substantial unless playing time is guaranteed.<\/p>\n

Top 100 prospect Justin Crawford brings home the bacon, swatting a two-run shot for the @IronPigs<\/a> \ud83e\udd53<\/p>\n

The @Phillies<\/a>\u2018 2022 first-rounder is up to 43 multihit games this season and leads the Triple-A International League with a .333 AVG: pic.twitter.com\/guKx2cRnzt<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 MLB Pipeline (@MLBPipeline) August 29, 2025<\/a><\/p>\n

RHP Andrew Painter: A highly touted arm coming off Tommy John surgery. Management remains enthusiastic, but his Triple-A struggles (5.24 ERA) make a call-up a significant leap forward.<\/p>\n

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Phillies September Call-up Scenarios<\/p>\n

Role
\nLikely Addition
\nWhy It Works<\/p>\n

Pitcher
\nMax Lazar or Alan Rangel
\nProvides reliable bullpen innings and depth<\/p>\n

Position Player
\nOtto Kemp or Garrett Stubbs
\nAdds infield\/utility coverage or clubhouse energy<\/p>\n

High-Upside Long Shots
\nJustin Crawford or Andrew Painter
\nGood optics, but logistically limited\u2014could wait until 2026<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

Some Final Thoughts<\/p>\n

Given the limitations of only two extra spots and a 14-pitcher cap, the Phillies are likely to favor immediate contributors over potential. Max Lazar or Alan Rangel\u00a0and Otto Kemp or Garrett Stubbs\u00a0seem most plausible and practical.<\/p>\n

That said, adding Crawford or Painter could electrify the fan base, especially if the front office feels they\u2019re ready for a trial by fire but it doesn\u2019t look to be happening.<\/p>\n