The Philadelphia Phillies announced Wednesday that reliever Brad Keller underwent Tommy John surgery after suffering a torn UCL. The procedure included an internal brace and flexor repair, with a projected recovery timeline of 13 to 16 months. As a result, there is a strong possibility Keller could miss the entire 2027 season.
Keller was already ruled out for the remainder of the current season after being diagnosed with a UCL tear around the All-Star break, so Wednesday’s announcement was unfortunate but not entirely surprising. The injury represents another major setback for a pitcher who had already worked to rebuild his career following thoracic outlet surgery in 2023. Keller successfully reinvented himself as a high-leverage reliever with the Cubs last season, posting a 2.07 ERA over 69 2/3 innings.
His strong 2024 campaign earned him a two-year, $22 million contract with Philadelphia during the offseason. If Keller is unable to return for the 2027 campaign, the deal could end up being almost entirely lost from the Phillies’ perspective. He appeared in 31 1/3 innings this season and recorded a 4.02 ERA, 13 holds, and three saves. Before the UCL injury, he had already missed much of June because of forearm tendinitis.
Keller’s absence has forced Philadelphia to explore the trade market for bullpen help. Jonathan Bowlan has taken on a larger role in high-leverage situations, but his promotion has left the Phillies with fewer reliable options for the middle innings.
Wednesday’s loss to the Miami Marlins provided a clear illustration of the bullpen concerns. With Philadelphia holding a 6-4 lead in the seventh inning behind Jesús Luzardo, interim manager Don Mattingly turned to Seth Johnson. Johnson surrendered a game-tying two-run single to Xavier Edwards. Bowlan was then brought in for the eighth inning with the score tied, but Griffin Conine launched the go-ahead home run that ultimately gave Miami the victory.
The defeat also dropped Philadelphia into a tie with Arizona for the National League’s final Wild Card position. The Phillies remain firmly positioned as buyers ahead of the trade deadline, but the front office has several needs to address. In addition to strengthening the bullpen, Philadelphia could use at least a fifth starter—and perhaps another mid-rotation arm that would allow Aaron Nola to move into the No. 5 spot—as well as help in right field.
Keller will remain on the 60-day injured list for the rest of the season. The Phillies will have to add him back to their 40-man roster during the offseason. If the organization believes he is certain to miss the entire 2027 season, releasing him could become an option to create a roster spot, similar to what the Mets did with Frankie Montas last winter. However, that scenario seems unlikely if Philadelphia believes Keller has a realistic chance of returning in time to contribute to a potential 2027 postseason run.
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