The Philadelphia Phillies will be without right-handed relief pitcher Brad Keller for the remainder of the 2026 season after he was placed on the 15-day injured list with a torn UCL in his right elbow, the team announced Thursday.
Keller, 30, who signed a two-year, $22 million contract with Philadelphia in free agency during the offseason, had already missed time earlier in the season due to right forearm tendinitis. He returned before the All-Star break and made one appearance on July 8, pitching a scoreless inning in a loss to the Cincinnati Reds.
In 32 appearances this season, Keller recorded a 4.02 ERA and three saves. Prior to joining the Phillies, Keller had a career year with the Cubs, posting a 2.07 ERA in 68 appearances. The Yankees were among the teams interested in the pitcher before he agreed to terms with Philadelphia.
Given the typical recovery time for UCL surgery and the potential for a lockout in 2027, Keller's return to the mound may not occur until 2028. The Phillies are set to begin the second half of their season on Thursday at home against the New York Mets. The Mets also made a roster move, reinstating second baseman Marcus Semien from the injured list and designating infielder Zack Short for assignment.