Connor Phillips gets one final chance to prove himself after Reds injury news

The Cincinnati Reds made a surprising move ahead of the team's series opener against the Atlanta Braves on Tuesday. The Reds recalled Connor Phillips from Triple-A Louisville after placing right-handed reliever Tony Santillan on the 15-day injured list with a left hip labral tear. Phillips hasn't been on a Major League mound since May 23.

Last season, Phillips appeared to turn a corner after posting a 2.88 ERA and a 32.7% strikeout rate in 21 appearances out of the Reds bullpen. After such a dramatic turnaround, the assumption was that the right-hander would carry that success into the 2026 season. Unfortunately, Phillips reverted back to his old habits.

Phillips broke camp with the Reds and was part of the Opening Day roster. But his first appearance of 2026 was a forgettable one. He last just two-thirds of an inning and allowed two runs on two hits while walking a batter.

The former top prospect remained on the active roster into the month of May, but was optioned to Triple-A Louisville after posting an underwhelming 5.53 ERA. Phillips had the same number of strikeouts (28) as walks, and it was clear that he'd lost command of his fastball.

Reds recall Connor Phillips after placing Tony Santillan on the injured list

His return to Triple-A was met with an injury midway through the season. Phillips tossed 10 innings after arriving the Derby City, but landed on the IL for a little less than a month. He was activated on July 12, and in 27⅓ innings, he owns an unsightly 5.93 ERA with 36 punch outs and 24 free passes.

His ERA this month (1.04) is much better, but his command (11.4% walk rate) is still nowhere close to where it needs to be. The best guess is that Phillips will receive three opportunities or less during the final week of the 2026 season to prove that he should remain on the Reds' offseason roster.

Phillips was one of the prospects that Cincinnati received in 2022 after trading Eugenio Suárez and Jesse Winker to the Seattle Mariners. He has tremendous raw ability, but has never been able to put it all together.

Phillips still has minor league options remaining and is pre-arbitration eligible, but the Reds will be looking to free up some 40-man spots this winter, and the 25-year-old could be cut loose if he fails to show that he belongs.

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