Phillips Explains How Spring Conversation Led to Role Change

The Miami Marlins remain red hot heading into the MLB All-Star break, as they have now won six straight games. 

For the most part, through June and coming into July, the Marlins’ bet on switching players' roles has played out really well. 

Tyler Phillips, for example, did not expect to spend the 2026 season in Miami's starting rotation. The superstar right-hander said he entered spring training preparing for a bullpen role before injuries forced the club to change plans.

Phillips explained that transition after another strong outing Wednesday, when he threw five scoreless innings in Miami's 2-0 victory over the Seattle Mariners. The performance continued a breakout season in which he has posted a 3.28 ERA across 74 innings after beginning the year as a reliever.

"It's a tough game," Phillips said. "Obviously we had a few injuries. Some of the guys we thought were going to be ready went through Tommy John. I hate to see that."

During spring training, Phillips was built up to pitch only one or two innings at a time. He said the longest outing he made lasted three innings. It already felt challenging to him because his offseason preparation had been geared toward short relief appearances.

"I wasn't necessarily preparing for that," Phillips said. "I was preparing to be just a short-burst reliever."

That role carried into the regular season. Phillips frequently entered games that were already out of reach or where Miami wanted to avoid using its high-leverage relievers. His efficiency in those appearances eventually caught the coaching staff's attention.

"I was really good at just being efficient and going through quickly, keeping the pitch count low," he said.

As injuries continued to thin the rotation, the Marlins approached Phillips about making another transition.

"They pulled me in the office one day and said, 'Hey, are you cool if we just let you start? You've been going three innings pretty much every time anyway," Phillips said.

Rather than overhaul his routine, Phillips said he kept most of his preparation unchanged. Outside of adjustments to his conditioning and lifting schedule, he has approached starts with the same mindset he carried as a reliever.

The move has paid off for both Phillips and the Marlins. Against Seattle, he scattered four hits and two walks while relying on his sinker to generate weak contact before Cade Gibson, Michael Petersen and Pete Fairbanks completed the shutout.

Miami has surged back into the National League playoff race behind contributions throughout the roster. After improving to 51-42 with Wednesday's win, the Marlins extended their winning streak again by completing a sweep of Seattle and now sit at 52-42.

They are now tied with the Philadelphia Phillies for second place in the National League East. The Marlins have won 16 of their past 20 games and continue to build momentum heading into the All-Star break.

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