When the Philadelphia Phillies claimed Tim Mayza on waivers from the Pittsburgh Pirates in 2025, the move looked to be strictly for depth as they went into the postseason.
In 2026, Mayza has been one of the Phillies' best relievers.
Mayza has allowed a total of three baserunners while striking out ten batters over 8.2 IP.
"When I came over here, the slider was, we'll call it hit or miss, and inconsistent," said Mayza before Monday's game against the Cubs. "Caleb Cotham and the pitching group in general has done a great job of communicating, helping me try some new grips, try some new thought processes."
Mayza explained that when he first joined the Phillies, the primary concern was his health. He was coming off a long IL stint after injuring his left latissimus dorsi muscle and teres major muscle, both in his throwing shoulder.
"Once we got to Spring Training, we kinda hit the ground running with the slider, in particular," said Mayza. He's allowed just two singles on the slider in 2026. Half of his strikeouts have ended with it.
Mayza's key to success has come from the shape of his pitches. More specifically, it's been the consistency. "The consistency of them allows me to do some different stuff," said the lefty reliever.
As a two-pitch pitcher, the adjusted pitch shapes allowed him to move around the zone.
Mayza called his reunion with the Phillies a "no-brainer". "Geographically, it makes perfect sense," explained. He was born in Allentown and played for Millersville University in Lancaster. Like most from the area, he grew up a Phillies fan.
"I had an incredible experience towards the end of last year coming over here," continued Mayza.
He praised the coaching staff, pointing out that they've had the ability to get the most out of their pitchers. "It was definitely something I wanted to come back and be a part of," stated Mayza.
With top lefty José Alvarado struggling to begin the season, Mayza could see increased usage in high-leverage situations.
