Phillies' Bullpen Faces Setback as Bowlan Injured Again

WHO:

MLB.com - Jonathan Bowlan, interim manager Don Mattingly, closer Jhoan Duran, rookie Alex McFarlane, pitcher Aaron Nola, pitcher Jesús Luzardo, catcher Garrett Stubbs.

WHAT:

MLB.com - Bowlan has a “mild” right groin strain but will not be placed on the 15-day injured list, allowing him to potentially pitch in the NL Wild Card Series.

MLB.com - Interim manager Don Mattingly stated that Bowlan's strain is manageable and he could be back by Game 1 on September 29.

MLB.com - If Bowlan had been injured before rosters expanded on September 1, he likely would have been placed on the injured list.

MLB.com - The Phillies currently have nine healthy relievers in the bullpen.

MLB.com - Jonathan Bowlan left a game against the Mets due to tightness in his right groin.

MLB.com - Bowlan was on the 15-day injured list in April with the same injury.

MLB.com - Aaron Nola allowed three hits in seven scoreless innings in a game against the Mets.

MLB.com - Nola carried a no-hitter into the sixth inning before allowing a single.

MLB.com - Nola has a 2.92 ERA in his past 14 starts, including allowing two earned runs or fewer in eight straight starts with a 1.86 ERA.

RotoWire MLB - Bowlan is dealing with a groin issue.

WHERE:

MLB.com - The game took place at Citi Field in New York.

WHEN:

MLB.com - The game against the Mets occurred on a Thursday night.

MLB.com - Game 1 of a potential National League Wild Card Series is less than two weeks away.

MLB.com - The last time Nola went that far without allowing a hit was September 26, 2025.

WHY:

MLB.com - Bowlan's injury is a concern for the Phillies' bullpen situation.

MLB.com - Nola's performance is critical due to Luzardo's injury, which has left the team without their best pitcher.

HOW:

MLB.com - Bowlan tweaked his groin on a 1-1 pitch to Francisco Lindor and left the game during that at-bat.

MLB.com - Nola's turnaround involved mixing pitches well and maintaining a sharp delivery.

In a positive update for the Phillies, pitcher Bowlan is dealing with a mild right groin strain but will not be placed on the 15-day injured list, keeping his hopes alive for the NL Wild Card Series. Interim manager Don Mattingly mentioned that the strain is manageable, and Bowlan could potentially return by Game 1 on September 29. Meanwhile, the team is in a strong position with nine healthy relievers currently available in the bullpen.