Phillies Trade Prospect McGarry to Dodgers, Adjust Rotation Plans

Philadelphia makes roster moves, including calling up reliever Chase Shugart, as they prepare to face the Braves.

Apr. 15, 2026 at 2:53am

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A fractured, multi-perspective painting in bold colors depicting a Phillies pitcher's delivery broken down into sharp, overlapping geometric shapes, conceptually representing the team's roster changes and rotation adjustments.The Phillies' pitching staff undergoes a geometric, cubist transformation as the team makes roster moves and rotation adjustments ahead of a crucial series against the Braves.Philadelphia Today

The Philadelphia Phillies have traded right-handed pitching prospect Griff McGarry to the Los Angeles Dodgers in exchange for international bonus pool space and a player to be named later or cash considerations. The Phillies have also called up reliever Chase Shugart from Triple-A Lehigh Valley and adjusted their starting rotation as they get set to face the Atlanta Braves.

Why it matters

The Phillies are making roster moves as they look to build on their success from last season and compete in the NL East. The trade of McGarry, once a top prospect in the organization, signals a shift in their pitching plans, while the call-up of Shugart and rotation adjustments could impact their performance against the division-rival Braves.

The details

McGarry, 26, was the Phillies' fifth-round pick in 2021 out of the University of Virginia. He had been considered one of the team's top prospects, finishing the 2023 season ranked No. 3 in their system. However, he struggled in a move to the bullpen this season and was traded to the Dodgers. The Phillies have also called up reliever Chase Shugart from Triple-A, where he has posted a 1.80 ERA in five appearances. To set up their rotation for the Braves series, the Phillies will start Taijuan Walker, Christopher Sánchez, and rookie Andrew Painter, giving Painter an extra day of rest.

  • McGarry was the Phillies' fifth-round pick in 2021.
  • McGarry finished the 2023 season as the Phillies' No. 3 prospect.
  • McGarry was left off the Phillies' 40-man roster in November and selected by the Nationals in the Rule 5 Draft, before being returned to the Phillies.
  • Shugart was acquired by the Phillies in a trade with the Pirates this offseason.
  • The Phillies open a three-game series against the Braves on Friday.

The players

Griff McGarry

A 26-year-old right-handed pitcher who was once considered one of the Phillies' top prospects, but struggled in a move to the bullpen this season before being traded to the Dodgers.

Chase Shugart

A 29-year-old right-handed reliever who the Phillies acquired in a trade with the Pirates this offseason and have called up from Triple-A, where he has a 1.80 ERA in five appearances.

Taijuan Walker

A veteran right-handed starting pitcher who will start the first game of the Phillies' series against the Braves.

Christopher Sánchez

A right-handed starting pitcher who will start the second game of the Phillies' series against the Braves.

Andrew Painter

A rookie right-handed starting pitcher who will start the third game of the Phillies' series against the Braves, getting an extra day of rest.

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What they’re saying

“We're just gonna move [Sanchy] on normal rest.”

— Rob Thomson, Phillies Manager

“Hopefully he gets six ups.”

— Rob Thomson, Phillies Manager

“There's still time for one more after that. It depends on how he feels and how he feels about his stuff.”

— Rob Thomson, Phillies Manager

What’s next

Zack Wheeler is scheduled to make another rehab start on Sunday, April 19, as he works his way back from thoracic outlet surgery. The Phillies will evaluate his progress and determine if he needs one more rehab outing before rejoining the major league rotation.

The takeaway

The Phillies' roster moves, including the trade of once-top prospect Griff McGarry and the call-up of reliever Chase Shugart, signal the team's efforts to bolster their pitching staff and rotation as they prepare to face the division-rival Braves in a crucial early-season series.