Phillies pitcher makes free agency decision instead of accepting Triple-A assignment

The Philadelphia Phillies (34-29), who were 9-19 in late April, have impressively vaulted themselves into a tie for the top National League Wild Card position by early June. They are 4-0 on their current homestand and are above .500 in both Citizens Bank Park and in road games, making it hard to even remember their abysmal start to the campaign. Philly is completely rejuvenated with interim manager Don Mattingly, but not everyone is getting to enjoy this honeymoon phase in the City of Brotherly Love.

Right-handed pitcher Zach Pop was outrighted to the Triple-A Lehigh Valley IronPigs after clearing waivers. He is not heading to the minor leagues, however. The 29-year-old native of Brampton, Ontario, Canada is electing free agency instead, per the Phillies’ official X account.

Pop tallied a 3.68 ERA with six strikeouts, a 1.091 WHIP and .200 batting average allowed in 7 1/3 innings pitched for Philadelphia. He suffered a calf strain in April and never made it back to the MLB roster. The organization designated him for assignment last weekend. This former seventh-round draft pick must now regroup and stay ready for another opportunity.

The Phillies’ pitching staff has done a great job of keeping the team in the playoff picture amid the ongoing offensive struggles, so president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski obviously considered Zach Pop to be expendable. Though, even when a ballclub is exuding positive vibes and winning games, tough decisions have to be made. Bliss rarely spreads through an entire roster.

Pop is taking a leap of faith and trusting that his skills will earn him another shot in The Show.

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