Here are the 5 names the Phillies should consider for September call-ups

September roster expansion is almost here, and while it’s not the free-for-all it used to be (thanks Rob Manfred), the Phillies will still get two extra spots to work with.

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On September 1st, Major League Baseball rosters expand from 26 to 28 players, so let’s take a look at five Phillies that could easily get the call up to The Show when the calendar flips.

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Here are the 5 names the Phillies should consider for September call-ups

1. Justin Crawford, OF

Let’s start with the obvious one. The Phillies’ No. 3 prospect has been torching Triple-A this summer. He’s hitting .326 with an .837 OPS, walking at a double-digit clip, and swiping 42 bases in 53 attempts. His defense in center field is getting sharper, too.

The only thing keeping him down is the crowded outfield picture, but even if he doesn’t start every day, getting him around the big-league club during a pennant race has value. With Wheeler out and the season reshuffling, they’ll need sparks wherever they can get them. Crawford could absolutely provide that.

2. Alan Rangel, RHP

Someone’s got to give Rob Thomson more bullpen innings, and Rangel has earned another look. In limited MLB action he owns a 2.45 ERA across 11 innings, and he’s been solid at Triple-A since shifting into more of a relief-heavy role.

He’s not flashy, but he’s reliable, and with José Alvarado ineligible for October, Rangel could be useful chewing up innings down the stretch so the playoff arms stay fresh.

3. Garrett Stubbs, C

Stubbs back in September just feels right. With Rafael Marchán locking down the backup role, Stubbs has been stashed at Triple-A, but the guy is hitting .266 with eight bombs and 50 RBI. More importantly, his clubhouse energy has been missed.

September baseball is about depth and vibes and no one brings vibes quite like Stubbs.

4. Max Lazar, RHP

Lazar’s Triple-A numbers jump off the page: 2.79 ERA with 21 Ks in 19 1/3 innings. His MLB stint was up and down (that disaster against the White Sox still inflates the ERA), but outside of a couple blowups, he showed he can get outs.

The Phillies’ bullpen is top-heavy right now. Adding Lazar gives them another righty who can bridge innings and save the top arms for October.

5. Keaton Anthony, 1B

This one’s a bit of a long shot, but the dude can flat-out hit. Between Double-A and Triple-A this season, Anthony has slashed .322 with an .850 OPS, racking up 31 doubles in just 82 games.

Problem is, he only plays first base, and the Phillies don’t exactly have openings there. Still, if they want a right-handed bat off the bench who can put the ball in play, Anthony deserves some consideration.

Final Word

This isn’t the era of 40-man chaos anymore. Teams only get two extra spots, so every decision matters. Crawford feels like the must-have, Stubbs adds depth and personality, and one of Rangel or Lazar probably grabs the final pitching slot. Anthony might not get the nod this time, but he’s forcing his way into the conversation.

Either way, the Phillies are in a position where September call-ups aren’t about saving the season, they’re about sharpening the edges for October.

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