In a move that signals a potential shift in strategy, the Philadelphia Phillies have designated 28-year-old right-handed pitcher Tyler for assignment. The decision clears a roster spot for right-hander Ryan Cusick, a younger arm with promise, though yet untested at the Major League level.
Tyler, who saw action with the Miami Marlins during the 2024 season, had logged 31.2 innings at the Major League level. Despite flashes of potential, he struggled to find consistent success. Over that span, he posted a 5.40 ERA while recording 25 strikeouts. His performance reflected both the challenge of adjusting to Major League hitters and the inconsistency that has plagued his career.
Since joining the Phillies organization, Tyler had been pitching for their Triple-A affiliate, the Lehigh Valley IronPigs. There, he demonstrated slightly improved form, compiling a 5-3 record with a 4.31 ERA across 12 starts. In those appearances, he threw a total of 62.2 innings, issuing 21 walks and striking out 43 batters. These numbers, while not dominant, suggested that Tyler could serve as serviceable depth — particularly in the face of a long season where pitching injuries and fatigue are common.
However, the Phillies’ front office appears to be looking beyond stability and aiming instead for upside. With Tyler being removed from the 40-man roster, the club has decided to take a chance on right-hander Ryan Cusick — a player who has yet to throw a pitch at the MLB level but comes with considerable pedigree.
Cusick, a former first-round pick in the 2021 MLB Draft, was recently designated for assignment by not one but two teams in a single week. That might raise questions about his readiness or long-term value, but the Phillies see an opportunity — a buy-low scenario on a pitcher once viewed as a high-upside talent. Cusick was selected 24th overall out of Wake Forest University, known for his elite fastball velocity and potential to develop into a power arm either in the rotation or bullpen.
Despite the rocky path through multiple organizations, Cusick still holds intrigue. For the Phillies, acquiring him represents a low-risk, high-reward move. They are not expecting him to step in and become an anchor of the rotation or a shutdown reliever immediately. However, if the coaching staff can help unlock some of the talent that made him a top draft pick, Cusick could become a valuable asset in the coming months or years.
The decision also underscores the Phillies’ current pitching situation. The team has dealt with a series of injuries and inconsistent performances in both the starting rotation and bullpen. Though the club remains competitive in the National League standings, the front office is clearly not content to stand pat. They are actively exploring ways to bolster their pitching depth, both for the stretch run and with an eye toward the future.
Veteran arms like Tyler often serve as insurance — players who can eat innings and provide a stabilizing presence in the minors or as spot starters. But in this case, the Phillies appear to believe that such stability can be replaced or sourced elsewhere. What they’re gambling on with Cusick is not certainty, but ceiling. It’s a classic example of a team with postseason aspirations making calculated roster tweaks with potential upside in mind.
Though Cusick may not have a significant impact on the 2025 season immediately, the Phillies are clearly willing to see what he can bring to the table. Their coaching staff will work to develop his command and refine his secondary pitches, areas that have previously held him back from making a Major League debut. If they can help him regain the form that once made him a first-round pick, the move could pay off in a big way.
The change also fits into a broader trend around Major League Baseball: teams often choose to part ways with players who provide consistent but unremarkable production in favor of prospects who may offer a greater long-term payoff. The DFA of Tyler isn’t necessarily a condemnation of his abilities; rather, it’s an indication of the Phillies’ current priorities and the direction they want their roster to head.
Cusick’s journey to the Phillies has been somewhat tumultuous. After being drafted by the Atlanta Braves in 2021, he was traded to the Oakland Athletics in a high-profile deal. Unfortunately, injuries and control issues derailed his progress in the A’s system. After failing to break into Oakland’s big-league roster, he was designated for assignment, and another team attempted to give him a look before also DFA’ing him. Now, with the Phillies, he may have his best opportunity yet to rebuild his career under a new development staff and in a new environment.
For Tyler, the designation for assignment means he’ll either be traded, claimed off waivers, or outrighted to the minor leagues if he clears waivers. Given his recent experience and passable numbers in Triple-A, there’s a good chance another organization could give him a shot, especially one in need of innings and experience.
From the Phillies’ perspective, the move doesn’t signal a lack of faith in their current roster, but rather a proactive attempt to add depth and upside. It’s also worth noting that this kind of transaction — swapping a fringe Major Leaguer for a former top prospect — is relatively common in the midseason period as teams look ahead to trade deadlines and playoff pushes.
The front office likely sees this as a no-lose scenario. If Cusick doesn’t pan out, they can always explore other options or even return to more experienced arms like Tyler later in the season. But if Cusick does click — if the Phillies’ staff can help him unlock even part of the promise he once showed — then the team may have uncovered a hidden gem at a time when pitching is at a premium league-wide.
In the grand scheme, this roster move is a relatively small one, but it reflects the thinking and long-term planning of a club with serious postseason ambitions. The Phillies are not just managing the day-to-day challenges of a long baseball season; they are also investing in the possibility that a once-touted arm like Cusick can contribute down the line. With the right coaching and a bit of patience, this could be one of those minor transactions that pays off in a major way.
For now, the eyes of the Phillies and their fan base will be on Cusick’s development. If he performs well in the minors, he could get a call-up later in the year — potentially adding a power arm to the bullpen or even earning a spot start if injuries arise. And for Tyler, whether he lands with another team or remains in the organization, his experience and ability could still prove valuable over the long haul of the 162-game season.
In a sport where depth is crucial and opportunity can arise from the smallest moves, the Phillies’ decision to DFA Tyler in favor of taking a flyer on Cusick is a reminder of how teams blend analytics, scouting, and strategic risk in their ongoing pursuit of winning.
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