Phillies Claim 25-Year-Old Former White Sox Pitcher, DFA Minor League Starter
Ahead of the Philadelphia Phillies series finale against the Pittsburgh Pirates, they made a roster move involving multiple Minor League pitchers.
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The Phillies announced on Twitter/X that they have claimed right-handed pitcher Ryan Cusick off waivers from the Chicago White Sox, and designated right-handed pitcher Kyle Tyler for assignment. Cusick was then optioned to the Florida Complex League.
Cusick, the player the Phillies picked-up off waivers from the White Sox, has yet to make his Major League debut. The 25-year-old has spent the last five years in the Minor Leagues, bouncing between the Detroit Tigers, Athletics, and White Sox before making his way to the Phillies.
On June 5th, the White Sox designated Cusick for assignemnt after picking him up just a day prior. He was designated for assignment by the Tigers on June second, before being DFA'd for the second time in the span of three days.
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In 2025, between two Minor League teams, Cusick has a 6.32 ERA in 15.2 innings of work. He's also allowed a WHIP of 1.85, and struck out 11 batters. Across his Minor League career, Cusick has an ERA of 5.20, and a win-loss record of 10-19.
Oakland Athletics pitcher Ryan Cusick for the Mesa Solar Sox during an Arizona Fall League baseball game at Surprise Stadium.Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
The pitcher the Phillies designated for assignment to make room for Cusick is 28-years-old, with some Major League experience. Tyler pitcher for the Miami Marlins in 2024, where in 31.2 innings of work, he had a 5.40 ERA and 25 strikeouts.
Tyler was pitching with the Phillies Triple-A affiliate, Lehigh Valley. There, he had a 5-3 record with a 4.31 ERA in 12 starts. Across his 12 starts, Tyler threw 62.2 innings, walking 21 and striking out 43.
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This move from the Phillies is to bring in a younger pitcher who has yet to make his MLB debut. Cusick, while unlikely to play a major role for the Phillies, is a player worth taking a chance on.
With the Phillies question marks in the bullpen, and some recent uncertainty in the rotation, the Phillies are in the market for new pitching talent.
While Cusick was just DFA'd by two teams in a week, the Phillies bring in the former 2021 first-round pick to see if they can get anything out of a former top recruit out of high school.
Related: Phillies Expected to be Aggressive at MLB Trade Deadline
Related: Phillies Get Good News On Zack Wheeler's Return From Paternity List
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 8, 2025, where it first appeared.
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