The Philadelphia Phillies had to get creative in their bullpen without two star pitchers. It’s unusual to see a 27-year-old prospect make his MLB debut as a three-inning reliever in a bullpen game, but that’s the opportunity that presented itself. For the Phillies, the call-up backfired, as their prospect will go down in the stat sheet with a blown save in a 5-4 loss to the Pittsburgh Pirates.
Alan Rangel Made His MLB Debut
While Rangel has a blown save on his record, that doesn’t tell the full story of the game in Pittsburgh. Rangel has waited a long time for this opportunity, and he pitched three innings—the longest outing by any Phillies pitcher in the loss. He gave up two earned runs on three hits, walked two, and struck out one.
The #Phillies announced that they have recalled RHP Alan Rangel from Lehigh Valley. RHP Seth Johnson was optioned to make room on the roster.
Rangel went 4-0 with a 5.02 ERA in 12 starts for the IronPigs. 64Ks, 22BB across 57.1 innings. He will wear #56.
— Cory Nidoh (@Cory_Nidoh) June 6, 2025
Rangel did give up a home run and needed 45 pitches to get through the 12 batters he faced. With an ERA of 6.00 after his MLB debut, the focus was on simply getting Rangel onto the field, as the Phillies knew it was time for their prospect to shine.
Coming into Pittsburgh, Rangel had a 4-0 record with a 5.02 ERA in Triple-A. He had appeared in 12 games this season, starting all of them. He didn’t get the start in his MLB debut, but it’s clear the Phillies trust his arm—he threw more innings than any other pitcher on the day.
The two walks he issued were likely due to nerves, as the 27-year-old had an impressive strikeout-to-walk ratio in Triple-A. He struck out 62 and walked just 14 over 57.1 innings pitched. His debut didn’t reflect how strong he’s been in the minors. With a pair of key injuries to the Phillies’ rotation, Rangel will likely get another shot soon.
The minor leagues have been a grind for Rangel. The right-hander endured a 4-16 season in 2023. He’s primarily been a starter during his time in the minors, working his way up through four levels last season. He reached Triple-A in 2024, going 1-2 with a 4.30 ERA after starting five of the 10 games he pitched.
Rangel made his minor league debut in 2015, so this MLB appearance was a moment nearly a decade in the making. While his debut will always come with a blown save in the box score, it’s not the same as blowing a ninth-inning lead. He held his own and showed that he might be ready for another chance.