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Chase Shugart has emerged as a surprising standout in the Philadelphia Phillies' bullpen during the 2026 season. Acquired from the Pittsburgh Pirates, he has made a strong impression since his promotion to the big-league roster on April 14.
As a group, the Philadelphia Philliesâ pitching staff has largely been underwhelming so far to begin the 2026 season. That said, there have been some individual performances that warrant some recognition and praise.
One of those pitchers who has been a pleasant surprise out of the Philliesâ bullpen is reliever Chase Shugart.
Sugart is a newcomer to Philadelphiaâs organization this season, and is the third team heâs been a part of after being drafted and making his MLB debut with the Boston Red Sox.
Shugart is certainly making a solid first impression with the Phillies. The right-hander was acquired from the Pittsburgh Pirates in January after the National League Central team designated him for assignment.
Shugart wasnât on Phillyâs Opening Day roster and wasnât recalled to the big-league roster until April 14. Heâs been used quite a bit since that promotion.
In Shugartâs first nine games with Philadelphia, heâs given up one earned run in nine innings, with a 1.11 WHIP. Even though the strikeout rate is slightly above average, 24.3 percent, Shugart is succeeding in a reliever's primary goal: not allowing free base runners. Heâs only walked two batters up to this point in the season.
Apr 30, 2026; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Phillies pitcher Chase Shugart (55) prepares to pitch during the ninth inning against the San Francisco Giants at Citizens Bank Park. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images
Chase Shugart is a reliever for the Philadelphia Phillies who was acquired from the Pittsburgh Pirates after being designated for assignment.
Chase Shugart was promoted to the Philadelphia Phillies' big-league roster on April 14, 2026.
Chase Shugart has been a pleasant surprise for the Phillies, standing out among an underwhelming pitching staff early in the 2026 season.
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Perhaps the Shugartâs most impressive quality so far this season is that heâs been available when called upon.
That included on Thursday, when the 29-year-old pitched in both the day and nightcap of the Philliesâ doubleheader sweep over the San Francisco Giants. He became the first pitcher to have a win in both games of a doubleheader since 2013, and it's the third time it's happened in franchise history.
The Phillies have a handful of relievers currently on the injured list, with Jhoan Duran, Kyle Backhus, and Zach Pop each unavailable. Theyâve needed someone to step up and, at the very least, provide some depth, but Shugart is giving the team more right now.
At some point, that group of pitchers will be healthy, but if Shugart continues to pitch as he is right now, he could be a pleasant surprise turned into a key piece to the bullpen for the rest of the season.
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