The series carries extra attention because it marks the first return to Boston for former Red Sox All-Star Rafael Devers, who was sent to San Francisco in one of the biggest and most surprising trades of the 2025 season.
However, before the Giants arrived in town, Boston received troubling news involving one of its most promising young pitchers.
The Red Sox placed 2025 first-round pick on the injured list after the 22-year-old right-hander left his start early for High-A Greenville. The Greenville Drive moved Phillips to the seven-day injured list retroactive to August 19 after he exited his outing following a conversation with a trainer.
The issue has been diagnosed as right elbow inflammation, according to Red Sox prospect analyst Andrew Parker. Phillips had completed two innings, surrendering three runs on four hits, before leaving after throwing only one pitch in the third inning.
At this point, there is no timetable for his return, and there have been no reports regarding an MRI, the severity of the injury, or whether the elbow problem could become a longer-term concern.
Phillips Facing Bigger Challenges During First Full Professional Season
The injury adds another obstacle to what has already been a difficult first full season in professional baseball for Phillips.
MLB Pipeline currently ranks Phillips as the No. 4 pitching prospect in Boston’s farm system, behind only Juan Valera, Sadbiel Delzine, and John Holobetz among Red Sox pitching prospects.
Despite his impressive talent, Phillips has struggled to find consistency in 2026. Through 19 appearances with Greenville, he owns an 0-7 record and a 6.71 ERA. While he has recorded 73 strikeouts across 61.2 innings, he has also posted a 1.80 WHIP, highlighting his command struggles.
The right-hander still possesses elite stuff, with a fastball that regularly reaches 96-99 mph and has touched triple digits. His slider and cutter also have the potential to become above-average weapons when he develops better command.
Scouts have pointed to his delivery as a possible reason for the inconsistency. Phillips uses a low three-quarters arm slot with a long arm action, creating concerns about his ability to consistently repeat his mechanics. Those questions have led some evaluators to believe his eventual future may come as a high-powered bullpen arm rather than a starting pitcher.
Boston selected Phillips with the 33rd overall pick in the 2025 MLB Draft out of Tennessee. He played a role on the Volunteers’ 2024 College World Series championship team before becoming a full-time starter as a junior, posting a 3.90 ERA with 98 strikeouts over 83 innings.
The Red Sox signed him for a reported $2.5 million bonus, and his projected MLB arrival timeline was around late 2028.
Red Sox Counting More on Remaining Pitching Prospects
Phillips originally began his professional career alongside fellow 2025 draft picks Kyson Witherspoon and Anthony Eyanson, giving Boston a promising young trio developing together in Greenville’s rotation.
That group was broken up earlier this month when the Red Sox traded Witherspoon and Eyanson, along with catcher Carlos Narváez and outfielder Enddy Azocar, to Baltimore in exchange for All-Star catcher Adley Rutschman and catcher Jake Rogers.
Eyanson was considered Boston’s No. 2 prospect, while Witherspoon was ranked among the organization’s top pitching talents as well. Their departures have left Phillips as one of the biggest remaining pieces from the 2025 draft class.
The elbow injury does not necessarily change Phillips’ long-term projection, as the Red Sox still believe he has the potential to become a middle-of-the-rotation starter if he improves his command or a dominant relief option if he transitions to the bullpen.
But with two of his former rotation partners now gone, Boston’s future pitching plans now carry even more weight on Phillips returning healthy and reaching his considerable potential.