Marlins fall 5-2, Phillips’ strong first half ends with rough short-rest outing
The Miami Marlins’ injury issues in the starting rotation were exactly what Tyler Phillips needed to work his way into the mix during the first half of the season.
Heading into Sunday’s game with a career-high eight starts and a 3.28 ERA already under his belt, the 28-year-old is approaching the All-Star break having made the most of his opportunity.
But with limited rest after throwing a five-inning shutout against the Seattle Mariners Wednesday, the right-hander struggled in what was already expected to be a bullpen game, allowing two runs in one inning before being replaced by Calvin Faucher in the second.
Miami ultimately fell to the Cleveland Guardians 5-2, allowing double-digit hits for the second straight night.
After Phillips exited, Cleveland continued to add on, with Brayan Rocchio hitting a two-run homer and Chase DeLauter adding a solo shot in the ninth
Only five players recorded hits, with Xavier Edwards notching a multi-hit game and driving in Miami’s first run with an RBI single to left field, while Griffin Conine homered to right field in the bottom of the 9th.
“We weren’t able to adjust and put pressure on them,” said Marlins manager Clayton McCullough. “They pitched really well, lot’s of change-ups and pitches with spin. Offensively, not one of our better series’.”
Miami’s top hitter, Otto López, had an uncharacteristically rough weekend, going 0-for-11 to finish with his first hitless series of the season.
Can Phillips stick in the rotation?
A two-run first inning was hardly encouraging, but in what was always expected to be a bullpen start on just three full days’ rest, Phillips deserves some benefit of the doubt.
After all, opponents had hit just .255 against him over 149 at-bats in his eight starts entering Sunday.
“We have a lot of fungible pieces, and he’s one of them,” McCullough said. “He’s really been helpful for us, coming in to start when we need him. He’s playing well and I’m really happy for him.”
Originally entering the season as a relief pitcher, Phillips hadn’t thrown more than three consecutive innings until May 30.
As injuries to starters such as Eury Pérez and Janson Junk created a need for bullpen games and spot starts, Phillips, one of Miami’s few relievers with significant starting experience, was a natural fit.
Phillips took over as the Philadelphia Phillies’ No. 5 starter during his rookie season in 2024 and tossed a complete-game shutout against the Guardians. But after a promising start, a string of rough outings eventually sent him back to Triple-A.
He may not be heading into the All-Star break on the right foot, but he remains a valuable piece of Miami’s pitching staff as someone who’s shown he can contribute as both a starter and reliever.
What’s next
The Marlins head into the All-Star break before returning Friday at 7:40 p.m. for the opener of a three-game road series against the Milwaukee Brewers. Otto López will represent Miami in Tuesday’s All-Star Game at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia, while fellow first-time selection Max Meyer will not pitch.
This story was originally published July 12, 2026 at 7:02 PM.