Seth Johnson is getting very used to the trip from Allentown to Philadelphia. For the second time this season Johnson was recalled from Lehigh Valley and then sent back to Lehigh Valley just a couple days later. This time Johnson exits in favor of right-hander Alan Rangel, who will be the opener for Taijuan Walker Wednesday night in Chicago.
Rangel was pitching well out of the starting rotation for Lehigh Valley. In four starts, Rangel, 28, went 2-1 with a 1.66 ERA. In 21.2 innings, he allowed 18 hits, walked 10, and struck out 16 for the IronPigs. Rangel made his MLB debut with the Phillies last season pitching out of the bullpen. In five games, he posted a 2.45 ERA. He did struggle with his command and walked six in 11 innings while striking out eight.
Johnson, 27, has made three relief appearances with the Phillies this season and seven with Lehigh Valley. The results have been drastically different. With the Philies, Johnson has a 7.36 ERA and a 2.57 ERA with Lehigh Valley. Johnson also made his major league debut in 2025 and posted a 4.26 ERA in 10 relief appearances with the Phillies.
Kemp is officially a Pig
Otto Kemp was officially activated by Lehigh Valley after being optioned out when Felix Reyes was recalled by the Phillies. He is playing left field and batting third for the IronPigs.
Mercado goes to the shore
Right-hander Michael Mercado, who is on the Lehigh Valley 7-Day IL, with a right shoulder tear had his rehab assignment moved from Clearwater to Jersey Shore. The 27-year-old threw 2.1 innings in two relief appearances with the Threshers. He hit a batter and walked a batter, but did not allow a hit. He struck out four hitters.
But wait, there’s more
- RHP Connor Gillispie, who was off to a good start with Lehigh Valley (3-1, 3.63) was placed on the 7-Day IL (Right elbow discomfort). When Gillispie walked off of the mound in his last start at St. Paul, he grabbed his elbow and went directly to the trainer in the dugout.
- RHP Lenny Torres was moved from Reading to Lehigh Valley.
- OF Pedro Leon, who was released on Saturday has been re-signed to a minor league contract and re-placed on the 7-Day IL (retroactive to April 20) with a right hamstring strain.
- RHP Aaron Combs assigned to Reading Fightin Phils from Jersey Shore BlueClaws.
- C Guillermo Rosario assigned to FCL Phillies from Reading Fightin Phils.
- SS Nikau Pouaka-Grego assigned to Reading Fightin Phils from Clearwater Threshers.
- RHP Gabriel Barbosa assigned to Reading Fightin Phils from Jersey Shore BlueClaws.
- RHP Jaydenn Estanista assigned to Jersey Shore BlueClaws from Reading Fightin Phils.
- RHP Aaron Combs assigned to Reading Fightin Phils from Jersey Shore BlueClaws.
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