Reds FeedConnor Phillips
P · Age 25 · Bats Right · Throws Right
Where things stand
Connor Phillips was recalled from Triple-A Louisville in late September after the Reds placed Tony Santillan on the injured list, giving the right-handed reliever a final opportunity to prove himself in the majors. Phillips had struggled earlier in 2026 with a 5.53 ERA before being optioned down, though he posted a 1.04 ERA in September at Louisville. The Reds are unlikely to retain Phillips beyond the offseason, as he is expected to be among the roster cuts due to command issues that plagued him throughout the season.
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Connor Phillips coverage
4 Dodgers players the Reds could target after LA's stunning playoff exit
The Milwaukee Brewers swept the Dodgers in the NLCS, but Los Angeles has several players who could interest other teams during the offseason. Left-handed pitcher Kris Bubic, acquired by the Dodgers at the trade deadline after missing most of 2026 with injury, will enter free agency and could serve as a stopgap option for Cincinnati while Hunter Greene recovers from Tommy John surgery. Outfielder Alex Call, a 32-year-old who excels against left-handed pitching with an .827 OPS this season, could fill the Reds' need for platoon players. Relief pitcher Evan Phillips, who posted a 31.1% strikeout rate in 26 innings despite recent forearm injuries, will also be available as a free agent and could add depth to Cincinnati's bullpen.
Blog Red Machine5 Reds players who definitely won't be back and 3 who could surprisingly return in 2027
The Cincinnati Reds face roster decisions heading into 2027, with five players unlikely to return. Pitcher Pierce Johnson's club option won't be exercised after posting negative fWAR and an ERA near 5.00, while Ivan Johnson will be released following the acquisitions of Juan Brito and Oswaldo Cabrera. Michael Toglia failed to capitalize on his call-up and suffered a season-ending shoulder injury, while pitchers Zach Maxwell and Connor Phillips both struggled with command issues and are unlikely to survive the offseason cuts. The team could surprisingly bring back starter Brady Singer on a short-term deal below $15 million annually, as they lose Hunter Greene and need rotation depth.
Blog Red MachineReds come from behind to win the series against Atlanta
The Cincinnati Reds rallied from a 4-1 deficit in the first inning to defeat the Atlanta Braves 7-6 and win the series. Hector Rodriguez hit a go-ahead two-run homer in the sixth inning off AJ Smith-Shawver, and the Reds' bullpen held firm the rest of the way, with Emilio Pagan earning the save. Connor Phillips picked up the win while Smith-Shawver took the loss, and Elly De La Cruz contributed a solo home run as part of Cincinnati's comeback effort.
Redleg NationElly De La Cruz swats 30th homer of brilliant 2026 season
Elly De La Cruz hit his 30th home run of the 2026 season against Atlanta on Thursday, a 402-foot blast off Tyler Mahle that helped the Reds overcome a 4-2 deficit in the third inning. With the homer, De La Cruz now has 30 home runs and 29 stolen bases, putting him one steal away from joining an exclusive group of only 51 players to achieve a 30-30 season. The feat would also make him the fourth Cincinnati Red to accomplish the milestone, joining Hall of Famer Barry Larkin, Eric Davis, and Brandon Phillips.
Red ReporterCincinnati Reds vs. Atlanta Braves – September 22, 2026
The Cincinnati Reds (72-84) visit the Atlanta Braves (92-64) for a three-game series beginning Tuesday at Truist Park, with the Braves having clinched the NL East and locked into the #3 playoff seed. Reds left-hander Brandon Williamson will start against Braves rookie right-hander JR Ritchie, who was recently recalled from Triple-A after being demoted in early August. Williamson has shown improvement since returning from injury in early September but has struggled with an elevated walk rate of 13.8% and has allowed eight home runs in 43.2 innings this season. The Reds made roster moves ahead of the game, placing Tony Santillan on the injured list with a left hip labral tear and recalling Connor Phillips from Triple-A.
Redleg NationReds reliever Tony Santillan lands on IL with labral tear in hip
Tony Santillan was placed on the injured list with a left hip labral tear, ending his season for the Cincinnati Reds. The reliever had appeared in 44 games this season before injuries sidelined him in late June, and struggled upon his recent return with an 11.38 ERA over 9.2 innings. Connor Phillips was recalled from AAA Louisville to replace him on the roster. The Reds' bullpen has been decimated by injuries all season, contributing to the team posting the worst walk rate and second-worst xFIP among MLB relief corps.
Red ReporterReds call up Connor Phillips from Triple-A, Tony Santillan injured
The Cincinnati Reds placed right-handed reliever Tony Santillan on the 15-day injured list with a left hip labral tear, ending his season with just one week remaining. The team called up righty Connor Phillips from Triple-A Louisville to fill the bullpen spot. Santillan struggled this season with a 6.42 ERA across 40.2 innings, a significant decline from his 2.61 ERA over the previous three seasons. Phillips has shown inconsistency in 2026, posting an 11.70 ERA in May before improving to 1.04 in September, though he continues to struggle with control.
Redleg NationConnor Phillips gets one final chance to prove himself after Reds injury news
The Cincinnati Reds recalled right-handed reliever Connor Phillips from Triple-A Louisville after placing Tony Santillan on the injured list with a left hip labral tear. Phillips, who hasn't pitched in the majors since May 23, struggled earlier this season with a 5.53 ERA before being optioned down, though he has posted a 1.04 ERA this month at Louisville. The 25-year-old prospect, acquired from Seattle in the 2022 Suárez-Winker trade, will have limited opportunities in the final week of the season to prove he deserves to remain on the Reds' roster, as the team looks to clear 40-man roster spots this offseason.
Blog Red MachineElly De La Cruz and Sal Stewart have one week to make Reds’ history
Elly De La Cruz and Sal Stewart are pursuing Reds franchise records in the final week of the 2026 season. De La Cruz needs two home runs and three stolen bases to become only the fourth player in team history to achieve a 30-30 season, joining Eric Davis, Barry Larkin, and Brandon Phillips. Stewart has 32 home runs and would need to hit six more in his remaining at-bats to match Frank Robinson's rookie record of 38 homers set in 1956.
Blog Red MachineFormer Reds icon makes Sal Stewart's case against JJ Wetherholt even stronger
Cincinnati Reds first baseman Sal Stewart leads all National League rookies in home runs (25), RBI (87), and slugging percentage (.475), while also surpassing St. Louis Cardinals infielder JJ Wetherholt in most offensive categories including hits, batting average, and OPS. Although Wetherholt holds a significant advantage in Wins Above Replacement due to his elite defense, the article argues this metric is imprecise and that Stewart's offensive production should make him the favorite for NL Rookie of the Year. The article compares Wetherholt's defensive abilities to former Reds second baseman Brandon Phillips, who was inducted into the Reds Hall of Fame this year and won four Gold Gloves during his career.
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