The Philadelphia Phillies announced Thursday that they have claimed right‑hander Jose Urquidy off waivers from the Chicago White Sox. To make room for Urquidy on the 40‑man roster, the club transferred fellow right‑hander Caleb Kilian to the 60‑day injured list.
Urquidy’s recent journey
Urquidy, best known for his five‑year stint with the Houston Astros, has spent the 2026 season splitting time between the Pittsburgh Pirates and the Chicago White Sox. Pittsburgh dealt him to Chicago in late July, and he appeared in 11 games (one start) for the two clubs combined, posting a 2‑2 record with a 5.28 ERA and recording one save.
Career overview
Across 92 career games – 71 of them starts – Urquidy has compiled a 29‑18 record with a 4.08 ERA and two saves. His major‑league résumé includes time with the Astros (2019‑2023), a brief stint with the Detroit Tigers in 2025, and his recent roles with the Pirates and White Sox. He was a member of the Astros’ 2022 World Series‑winning team and pitched in the postseason for Houston in five consecutive seasons, posting a 4‑2 record with a 4.08 ERA in 15 playoff games (eight starts).
Phillies bullpen context
The Phillies’ bullpen currently ranks 20th in the majors with a 4.31 ERA this season and has struggled to protect leads, blowing 23 of 63 save opportunities. The addition of Urquidy comes as the club also deals with the loss of All‑Star starter Jesus Luzardo, who was placed on the injured list this week due to inflammation in his left (throwing) shoulder.
What Urquidy brings
Urquidy offers a veteran presence and a versatile arm that can start games or provide relief out of the bullpen. His experience in high‑leverage playoff situations should give the Phillies additional depth as they push toward a likely postseason bid. While his recent ERA of 5.28 suggests room for improvement, his career numbers and postseason pedigree indicate he can contribute when called upon.
Looking ahead
Philadelphia’s front office will evaluate how Urquidy fits into the pitching staff over the next few weeks. With the team navigating injuries to key starters and seeking to tighten up a bullpen that has been prone to blown saves, the right‑hander’s addition is a strategic move aimed at bolstering the pitching depth needed for a playoff run.
Fans can expect to see Urquidy either in a starting role or in relief as the Phillies continue their push toward the postseason. The club’s management remains optimistic that the new acquisition, combined with a healthy return from injured starters, will help improve the overall pitching performance and keep the Phillies competitive in the National League East.
Original reporting: Appleton, WI News Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
