Philadelphia Phillies Relief Pitcher Gaining Trust
Philadelphia Phillies relief pitcher Tanner Banks has steadily gained the trust of his team throughout the 2025 season. His performance has been particularly notable during a stretch when José Alvarado was serving a suspension. During this time, Banks and Matt Strahm were the only left-handed pitchers in the Phillies bullpen, which led to Banks receiving more high-leverage opportunities than he would have otherwise.
In addition to his bullpen role, Banks made one spot start earlier this season. Originally, Mick Abel was scheduled to take the mound, but a rain delay forced a change in plans. The Phillies opted to have Banks pitch two innings before handing the ball over to Taijuan Walker and Alan Rangel. Walker followed up with Rangel recording a five-inning save in that game.
Performance Stats and Key Metrics
This season, Banks has compiled a 5-2 record with a 2.88 ERA and one save in 56 appearances. His performance has been highlighted by a 3.33 FIP, a career-best 5.89 K/BB ratio, and a 0.94 WHIP. He has also maintained a 1.12 HR/9 allowed rate and a 78.7% left-on-base rate, both of which are career highs.
Banks has also posted a 24.3% strikeout rate and a career-best 4.1% walk rate. Since the All-Star break, his numbers have improved even further, with a 1.76 ERA and a 0.85 WHIP in 16 outings. He has a 3.00 K/BB ratio and a 98.0% left-on-base rate during this period. From July 1 onward, Banks has a 1.86 ERA and a 0.88 WHIP in 21 games, with a 4.30 K/BB ratio and a 91.5% left-on-base rate.
It’s important to note that Banks is under team control through 2028, which gives the Phillies flexibility in planning for future seasons.
Potential for More High Leverage Opportunities in the Postseason
With Alvarado ineligible to pitch in the postseason, Banks is expected to see more high-leverage opportunities. While Ranger Suárez or Jesús Luzardo may be used out of the bullpen, Banks serves as the secondary left-handed option after Strahm.
The situation becomes more complex with Zack Wheeler being out for the season, which complicates the Phillies’ plans for their postseason rotation. Both Suárez and Luzardo could end up in the rotation, but there’s a possibility they might also be used in the bullpen, similar to what happened in 2022 when Suárez pitched out of the bullpen during the postseason. This scenario could allow the Phillies to adjust their rotation based on the NLDS schedule, which may require three starting pitchers instead of four.
Role Going Forward: The Rest of the Regular Season
With Alvarado returning from suspension for the remainder of the regular season, Banks will likely see a reduction in high-leverage work. However, he will still get chances to pitch in those situations, albeit less frequently. Alvarado’s absence from the postseason means that Banks will have increased usage, allowing the Phillies to preserve innings for other pitchers in the playoffs.
Banks and Strahm will carry a heavier workload in the postseason compared to previous years due to Alvarado’s ineligibility. Additionally, Banks has already pitched nearly 60 innings this season, and it’s not yet September. In comparison, Strahm has pitched just over 50 innings so far. With Alvarado available for the rest of the regular season, the Phillies have more flexibility in handling left-on-left matchups.
Looking Ahead
As the regular season progresses, Banks’ role will continue to evolve. His strong performance this year has earned him the trust of the Phillies organization, and his potential for increased postseason opportunities highlights his value to the team. With Alvarado back in the mix, the focus will shift to how the Phillies manage their bullpen and rotation for the remainder of the season and into the playoffs.
