Had things gone well for Jackson Rutledge and Dylan Carlson, there is no way they would have been joining the Phillies on minor league contracts. Rutledge, was taken by the Nationals with the 17th overall pick in the 2019 Draft, while Carlson was picked 33rd overall by the Cardinals in 2019.
Playing all or part of seven MLB seasons, Carlson was released by the Chicago Cubs on May 4th. After hitting .203 in 83 games with Baltimore last season, Carlson became a free agent and signed a minor league deal with the Cubs. The 27-year-old has a career slash line of .233/.312/.371/.683 with St. Louis, Tampa Bay, Baltimore, and the Cubs.
What is intriguing about Carlson is his power potential. Carlson, who is a switch-hitter, hit 18 home runs with St. Louis in 2021 and has hit 43 in 570 major league games. Carlson can play all three outfield positions, which gives the Phillies some depth that could come in handy at some point.
Rutledge was a disappointment after signing and has pitched in just 71 MLB games, five of which were as a starter. In 2025 Rutledge pitched in a career-high 68 games with Washington, but posted a 5.77 ERA. This season, the right-hander made just one appearance and allowed seven earned runs in 1.1 innings of work for a 47.25 ERA. His career record is 5-3 with a 6.29 ERA. He had been designated for assignment on May 5 and claimed off waivers by the Phillies on Tuesday.
Both players were assigned to Triple-A Lehigh Valley.
Lehigh Valley goes through a roster restructuring
Those were just two of the moves that the Phillies made around their minor league system on Tuesday. DSL pitcher Richard Reyes and Lehigh Valley outfielder Oscar Mercado were both released. Utility man Dylan Moore, who cleared waivers, was officially assigned to Lehigh Valley on Tuesday. Right-hander Jean Cabrera and outfielder Cade Fergus were reassigned down to Double-A Reading. Right-hander Levi Stoudt and catcher Lou Albrecht went the other way, coming up to Lehigh Valley from Reading. Albrecht was then placed on the Developmental List.
The IronPigs also placed pitcher Andrew Walling on the 7-day IL, retroactive to May 10 when he last pitched.
Rehab news
- Speaking of injuries, reliever Max Lazar is on his way back and had his rehab assignment moved to Lehigh Valley. Lazar is on the IL with a right oblique strain. Prior to coming to Lehigh Valley, the 26-year-old pitched in two games at Jersey Shore and then to Reading where he made two relief appearances as well. Lazar has allowed two earned runs in 4.1 innings (4.15 ERA) on his rehab assignment. Last season with the Phillies, he made 36 relief outings and posted a 4.79 ERA.
- Infielder Keaton Anthony, who is on Lehigh Valley’s 7-Day IL with a broken foot, started a rehab assignment with Clearwater on Tuesday. Anthony flew out to center in his first at-bat and then walked before being erased on a fielder’s choice.
- Gabriel Rincones Jr., who had somewhat of a breakout season in 2025, but has not played because of an undisclosed knee injury, started a rehab assignment with the Threshers last week and is batting .154 (2-13) with a home run and four RBI.
Please scroll down to comment on this story or to give it a rating. We appreciate your feedback!
Disclaimer: Some of the products featured or linked on this website may generate income for Philly Baseball News through affiliate commissions, sponsorships, or direct sales. We only promote items we believe in, but please assume that PBN may earn a cut from qualifying purchases that you make using a link on this site.
© 2026 LV Sports Media. All rights reserved.
