Phillies Roster Moves: Richards Added, Backhus on IL

Kyle Backhus's injury opens the door for Trevor Richards to return to the majors. Richards signed a minor league deal with the Phillies in the offseason and has been pitching for Triple-A Lehigh Valley. In 14 innings over nine appearances, he has allowed three earned runs with a .111 batting average on balls in play and a 52% strikeout rate.

Richards has a history of inconsistent major league results, with a strong strikeout rate but struggles with walks and home runs. He pitched for the Blue Jays from 2021 to 2023, recording a 4.61 ERA. In 2024, he played for both the Blue Jays and the Twins, with control problems in Minnesota leading to his designation for assignment. In 2025, he spent most of the year in Triple-A before joining the Phillies.

The Phillies are giving Richards an opportunity to see if his strikeout stuff can translate to the major league level. As a veteran with at least five years of service time, Richards cannot be optioned without his consent.

Due to left elbow inflammation.

Trevor Richards, who was selected from Triple-A Lehigh Valley.

The Phillies are addressing their pitching needs by adding Trevor Richards, who has shown potential in the minor leagues. This move provides an opportunity for Richards to prove himself at the major league level, while Backhus recovers from his injury.

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