Players aren’t allowed to stay on a rehab assignment forever. Position players can only be on rehab for 20 days, while pitchers have a 30 day window before they wear out their welcome. Both Max Lazar and Zach Pop reached their limit, forcing the Phillies to do something with each of them. It came down to something like the final episode of The Bachelor; the Phillies gave Lazar a rose and Pop some very nice parting gifts in the form of being on the hook for the remainder of his $900,000 salary.
Lazar, who has been out since Spring Training and was on the 60-day IL with an oblique injury, was activated and then optioned right back to Lehigh Valley where he and Pop had both been assigned on their rehabs. Pop (calf strain) was designated for assignment (DFA). The Phillies could only keep one of them since Lazar’s 40-man roster spot did not count against the total number of players since he was on the 60-day IL. When they activated him, they needed that roster spot back and Pop became the casualty.
Further Reading: Lazar, Anthony Added to Growing Injury Report for Phils
In 11 rehab appearances, Lazar pitched 13 innings, gave up 13 hits, and walked five while striking out 11. Lazar, who turns 27 on Wednesday, has made 47 relief appearances with the Phillies since 2024 and has posted a 4.75 ERA. Pop has pitched in the majors for Miami, Toronto, Seattle, and the Mets prior to joining the Phillies over the winter. In his career, Pop has pitched in 170 games and is 8-6 with a 4.83 ERA. With the Phillies this season, the 29-year-old had a 3.68 ERA in one start and six relief appearances.
Further Reading: Phillies Add Pop to the Bullpen; Or Did They?
The Phillies have 10 days to release, trade, or reassign Pop. Since Pop has more than three years of service time and is out of options, he could elect to become a free agent rather than accept an assignment to Lehigh Valley.
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.
