Philadelphia Phillies Claim José Urquidy Off Waivers From Chicago White Sox
To make room on the 40-man roster, right-handed pitcher Caleb Kilian was transferred to the 60-day injured list. Phillies President of Baseball Operations Dave Dombrowski made the announcement. Urquidy, 31, has appeared in 11 games this season between the Pittsburgh Pirates and White Sox. He made one start on August 24 against the Texas Rangers, however his last three appearances have all come in relief. On August 30 against the Twins in Minnesota, he allowed one run over 5.0 innings. On September 3 in Houston against the Astros, he tossed 1.0 scoreless inning. And, on September 8 against the Pirates, he allowed two runs over 4.0 innings. Combined, he has a 2.70 ERA over his last three appearances (3 ER, 10.0 IP). A veteran of seven major league seasons, Urquidy has pitched for the Astros (2019-23), Detroit Tigers (2025), Pirates (2026), and White Sox (2026). He has combined to go 29-18 with a 4.08 ERA (198 ER, 436.1 IP) in 92 career major league games (71 starts). A native of Mazatlan, Mexico, Urquidy pitched 3.0 scoreless innings in Game 3 of the 2022 World Series at Citizens Bank Park, a 7-0 Phillies win.
José Urquidy claimed by Phillies
Kilian, 29, has been sidelined since August 10 with a left oblique strain. He made four relief appearances for the Phillies after being acquired with Luis Arraez from the San Francisco Giants on August 3. Overall, he has pitched in 49 games this season and gone 4-7 with a 4.91 ERA (26 ER, 47.2 IP) while converting eight of his 11 save opportunities. A native of Anaheim, Calif., Kilian was originally selected by the Giants in the eighth round of the 2019 MLB Draft out of Texas Tech University. The move to the 60-day IL comes as the Phillies address rotation needs following the injury of All-Star Jesús Luzardo, who landed on the injured list with left shoulder inflammation. Luzardo’s absence left the Phillies with a four-man rotation of Cristopher Sánchez, Zack Wheeler, Aaron Nola, and Andrew Painter.
According to Todd Zolecki of MLB.com, the Phillies have set their rotation for their road series against the New York Mets. Urquidy will start Game 2 against the Mets, with Andrew Painter scheduled to start Game 3 on September 19. Manager Don Mattingly confirmed that Urquidy will arrive prior to the game and will factor into the contest as part of a bullpen game. Painter’s start on Saturday provides the Phillies with roster flexibility for their final series of the regular season. Zolecki noted that the Phillies will not move anyone in the rotation for this series, as Painter’s spot will remain unchanged due to the off-day on Monday. This setup allows the team to prepare for their final 10 games of the season, which are critical for securing a Wild Card spot and positioning for the Wild Card Series.
Phillies Claim Right Hander Jose Urquidy Waivers White Sox
Urquidy’s acquisition aligns with the Phillies’ strategy to bolster their rotation as they chase a playoff berth. FanGraphs Playoff Odds give Philadelphia a 98.0% chance of qualifying for the postseason, with a magic number of 6 to clinch a spot. The team’s projected rotation for the final 10 games includes Aaron Nola starting the series opener against the Mets, with Urquidy set to take the mound on September 18. Nola’s next start will come against the Milwaukee Brewers on September 23, followed by Cristopher Sánchez, Zack Wheeler, and Andrew Painter. The Phillies’ depth chart reflects the urgency of the situation, as they seek to maintain consistency in the rotation while managing the workload of their starters.
Urquidy’s career trajectory includes a 3.74 ERA, 20.3% strikeout rate, and 5.2% walk rate from 2019 to 2022 with the Astros, where he made 60 starts over 63 appearances. However, his performance dipped in 2023, and Tommy John surgery disrupted his 2024 and 2025 seasons. This year, Urquidy has primarily pitched in the minors, throwing 95 2/3 innings over 20 Triple-A starts with a 3.48 ERA, 20.8% strikeout rate, and 5.3% walk rate. His limited major league success this season—5.28 ERA in 29 innings over 11 appearances—raises questions about his viability as a starter. Nevertheless, the Phillies view him as a reliable depth option capable of eating innings, particularly given the uncertainty surrounding their rotation.
Phillies Make Andrew Painter Decision Amid Jose Urquidy News
The Phillies’ rotation challenges extend beyond Urquidy’s acquisition. Left-hander Alan Rangel, who is on the 40-man roster, has a 5.58 ERA in Triple-A this season, while right-hander Nestor Cortes, signed last month, is still recovering from arm surgery. Cortes has made two rehab appearances, including an inning and two-thirds in his most recent start, where he threw 32 pitches. The team has not yet determined whether Cortes will be stretched out for a full workload. Manager Don Mattingly acknowledged the need for flexibility, stating 明らかにズスの先発を欠くことにより、ブルペン中心の試合に突入することになるだろう。 and ブルペンゲームは、一回ずつという感じで、70、75球投げられるようなピッチャーがいるのとは少し異なる。
Urquidy’s role in the Phillies’ playoff push hinges on his ability to adapt to the major league environment. His recent performance against the Twins, Astros, and Pirates—particularly his 10.0 innings with a 2.70 ERA—suggests he can provide stability. However, his 16% strikeout rate in 2026 highlights the need for improved command. The Phillies’ decision to claim him reflects their urgency in addressing rotation gaps, as they navigate a tight Wild Card race. With the Mets series looming, the team’s focus remains on securing wins to solidify their playoff position.
The Phillies’ latest move underscores the competitive nature of the 2026 season, as teams jockey for playoff positioning. With a 98.0% playoff probability, the Phillies are well-positioned but must maintain consistency in their final 10 games. Urquidy’s inclusion in the rotation adds a veteran presence, even as the team grapples with injuries and roster limitations. As the season reaches its climax, every decision—whether in-game strategy or personnel moves—carries weight in the pursuit of a postseason berth.