John

McMillon

Castro represents the lone position player shipped out to minor league camp in the latest batch of Phillies cuts. There are a handful of notable relief options sent packing here with Vespi, McMillion, Zuniga, Cuas and Kuhnel all likely to get chances in Philadelphia as middle relief depth. Aoyagi pitched well in three spring appearances after signing a minor-league contract with the Phillies. He’ll open the year back at Triple-A Lehigh Valley as extra depth.

McMillon was a threat to become the Royals’ long-term closer when he arrived in 2023, but he hurt his elbow and lost four mph off his fastball last season, causing Kansas City to give up on him. Today, he was back up to 98.6 mph on average, putting him barely behind his 99.0 mark from his four appearances before he got hurt two years ago. He could prove to be a big help to the Phillies if he stays there, though he’ll probably open up in Triple-A even if he seems deserving of a spot.

McMillon was claimed off waivers earlier this month from the division-rival Marlins and will remain with Philadelphia as extra relief depth after passing through waivers unclaimed.

McMillon will bolster Philadelphia’s relief depth after posting a sparkling 1.50 ERA, 1.00 WHIP and 13/5 K/BB ratio across 12 innings (10 appearances) for Miami after being claimed off waivers in mid-August from the Royals. The 26-year-old righty figures to pitch in middle relief for the Phillies.

McMillon struggled in 30 innings at Triple-A for the Royals but has pitched well for Miami since being claimed off waivers, registering a 1,50 ERA, 1.00 WHIP, and 13 strikeouts in 12 innings. Given how little time is left in the season, it’s possible that McMillon is done for the season. Jeff Lindgren was called up to take his place on the active roster.

Lindgren is 2-5 with a 6.19 ERA in 75 2/3 innings between Triple-A Jacksonville and Double-A Pensacola this season. He made his Major League debut with Miami in 2023, recording a 5.14 ERA with four walks and one strikeout in three relief appearances. He will replace John McMillon, who was placed on the IL.

McMillon’s velocity was down, and the Marlins got him out of the game quickly. “I knew something was up the second pitch,” manager Skip Schumaker said. “I went out there -- he said he didn’t feel right, so that’s when we pulled him.” McMillon was one potential closing option for the Marlins with Calvin Faucher on the IL, but Anthony Bender and Declan Cronin were probably ahead of him in line for saves.

It’s unclear where the Marlins will turn in the late innings as Faucher had emerged as their primary closer since the trade deadline when they jettisoned both Tanner Scott and A.J. Puk. It’ll likely be John McMillon getting the first shot, if a save situation arises. The 28-year-old righty, who has converted six saves to go along with a stellar 2.75 ERA, 1.32 WHIP and 27/9 K/BB ratio across 19 2/3 innings (20 appearances) since July 19, is most likely done for the rest of the season, but that remains to be seen. There should be some clarity on his status in the coming days.

McMillon, who looked like the Royals’ closer of the future at this time a year ago, is up with the Marlins following just one minor league appearance in the system. A disastrous first half got him waived by the Royals, but he has pitched better of late. Overall, he had a 6.32 ERA and a 37/27 K/BB in 31 1/3 innings in Triple-A.

McMillon, 26, has spent the entire 2024 season at Triple-A Omaha where he has registered a troublesome 6.53 ERA, 1.88 WHIP and a 35/26 K/BB ratio over 30 1/3 innings in 28 appearances out of the bullpen. He’ll add bullpen depth in the upper minors for the Marlins.