Roster Moves: Phillies recall Nolan Hoffman from Lehigh Valley, option Max Lazar

Drew Smith
August 18, 2025
Phillies
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The Phillies announced before tonight’s game against the Mariners that they’ve recalled right-hander Nolan Hoffman from Triple-A Lehigh Valley.

To make room, Max Lazar was optioned back to the IronPigs. Hoffman will rock No. 47, and if he gets into the game, it’ll be his big-league debut.

Phillies recall Nolan Hoffman from Lehigh Valley, option Max Lazar

Prior to tonight’s game against the Seattle Mariners, the Phillies recalled RHP Nolan Hoffman from triple-A Lehigh Valley. To make room on the 26-man roster, RHP Max Lazar was optioned to Lehigh Valley. Hoffman will wear No. 47.
— Philadelphia Phillies (@Phillies) August 18, 2025

Who Is Nolan Hoffman?

He’s the guy Dave Dombrowski snagged from the Rangers back in June for a bag of cash considerations. At the time, he had a 5.19 ERA in the minors. Since joining the Phillies’ Farm, he’s been surprisingly solid.

17 relief appearances
19 innings pitched
3.32 ERA
27 strikeouts, 11 walks
3 saves

Phillies trade cash for RHP Nolan Hoffman from the Texas Rangers

Max Lazar’s Rollercoaster

To make room, Lazar gets sent down and honestly, it makes sense. His last outing was a blowup (3 ER on 4 hits), and while he gave you clean innings more often than not, when he was off, he looked every bit like a Double-A arm who snuck into Citizens Bank Park with a fake ID.

Call it 85% reliable, 15% disaster. That disaster 15% showed up at the wrong time. A reset in Lehigh could do him good, especially since José Alvarado is eligible to come back Tuesday.

If Nolan Hoffman gets the ball, it’ll be the first taste of the majors for a guy who might just carve out a little role in this bullpen before October however, I wouldn’t hold your breath.