Full Breakdown
Phillies Claim Right-Hander Andrew Hoffmann, Add Bullpen Depth
8/21/2026, 6:04:24 AM
Core Transaction
The Philadelphia Phillies claimed right-hander Andrew Hoffmann off waivers from the Arizona Diamondbacks and optioned him to Triple-A Lehigh Valley. To clear a 40-man roster spot, the club recalled infielder/outfielder Felix Reyes from Lehigh Valley and placed him on the 60-day injured list with a right-wrist fracture.
Background & Context
Hoffmann, 26, was designated for assignment by Arizona earlier in the week. He was drafted by the Atlanta Braves in the 12th round of the 2021 MLB Draft out of the University of Illinois. The Braves traded him, along with outfielder Drew Waters and third baseman XJ Alexander, to the Kansas City Royals for a 2022 draft pick (35th overall) on July 11 2022. Hoffmann debuted with Kansas City in 2025, appearing in 11 games, and was later traded to Arizona for outfielder Randal Grichuk on July 26 2025.
In 2025, Hoffmann posted a 7.36 ERA over 7 1/3 innings with Arizona. This season he has a 7.71 ERA and 12 strikeouts in eight Diamondbacks appearances and a 6.08 ERA in 12 Triple-A Reno games. The Phillies, riding a six-game winning streak and sitting second in the NL East, have been seeking bullpen depth after the trade deadline. Earlier in the week the club also signed left-hander Nestor Cortes to a major-league contract and assigned him to Single-A Clearwater.
Reyes, 26, broke his right wrist on a hit-by-pitch while with Triple-A IronPigs. Before the injury he hit 21 home runs with an .830 OPS in 85 games for the IronPigs in 2026 and had a brief MLB stint in which he homered off former Cy Young winner Chris Sale but posted a .158 batting average in 38 plate appearances.
Timeline
- July 11 2022 – Hoffmann drafted by the Atlanta Braves (12th round, No. 367 overall).
- July 26 2025 – Traded from the Kansas City Royals to the Arizona Diamondbacks for outfielder Randal Grichuk.
- August 20 2026 – Phillies claim Hoffmann off waivers; Reyes recalled and placed on the 60-day IL.
Data & Statistics
- Andrew Hoffmann (MLB): 19 career appearances, 6.85 ERA; 2025 season 7.36 ERA (7 1/3 IP); 2026 season 7.71 ERA (8 games, 12 K).
- Triple-A Reno (2026): 6.08 ERA in 12 games.
- Triple-A Lehigh Valley (2025): 1-1 record, 6.08 ERA, 11 K in 12 games.
- Felix Reyes (Triple-A IronPigs 2026): 21 HR, .830 OPS in 85 games; MLB line 0-0, .158 average, 0 BB in 38 PA.
Why It Matters / Impact
Adding Hoffmann gives the Phillies an extra right-handed arm with major-league experience, useful for long relief or spot-start roles. While his recent ERA numbers indicate struggles, the depth he provides could be valuable during the stretch run. Reyes’ injury removes a power-hitting option from Triple-A but frees a roster spot for the newly claimed pitcher.
What’s Next
Philadelphia opens a three-game series against the St. Louis Cardinals at Citizens Bank Park on Friday. The club will monitor Hoffmann’s performance at Triple-A Lehigh Valley before considering a major-league promotion, while Reyes begins a rehabilitation program for his wrist fracture.
