Mar 30, 2026; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Phillies relief pitcher Tim Mayza (37) throws a pitch during the seventh inning against the Washington Nationals during the fifth inning at Citizens Bank Park. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-Imagn Images Eric Hartline
PHILADELPHIA — Through his first seven appearances of the season, Tim Mayza — rather improbably — had been one of baseball's best relievers, holding opponents scoreless over 8 2/3 innings pitched.
However, Mayza struggled mightily in Tuesday's 10-4 loss to the Chicago Cubs, walking two and allowing four runs over just 1/3 of an inning. Granted, one of the runs was unearned, but that's only because Bryson Stott was charged with an error for not catching a wild throw from Mayza at second base.
What went wrong for Mayza in the second of three games against the Cubs?
"Obviously, falling behind, you have the two walks and one hit batter, and that's never a recipe for success," Mayza said. "I think it's just, you gotta do a better job of getting ahead and executing pitches and kinda limiting the walks. The free passes are what hurts the most, especially looking back at tonight.
"Obviously had a chance to get out of it and think if I make a better throw, one that Stott could handle a little better, there's more of a chance at a double play. I know Dansby [Swanson] is a pretty good runner, but I think looking back, it's like, give him a better throw to handle and we could be looking at a different story. I could have grinded my way out with minimal damage."
The good news is that the seven prior appearances Mayza had this season were very good. Mayza appeared in eight regular season games down the stretch for the Phillies in 2025, and was included on their NLDS roster. Still, he had to settle for being a non-roster invitee to Spring Training with the Phillies, the team the Upper Perkiomen High School grad grew up rooting for.
Since making the club out of Spring Training — at least prior to Tuesday — Mayza has pitched as well as he has since he posted a 2.67 ERA across 167 appearances for the Toronto Blue Jays between 2021 and 2023.
What does he think was working during the first seven appearances?
"You're getting ahead with two pitches, and kind of working in more pitcher leverage counts," Mayza said. "And I think tonight, you get two four-pitch walks. That's something that's never going to go well for you. So, have to flush it. I'll assess the outing, assess if there's any changes ... maybe I was moving a little too quickly down the slope. Obviously, have to have a short memory and bounce back here quickly."
The 34-year-old has taken on additional importance given the rocky start that José Alvarado — 12.60 ERA in eight appearances — has had. The Phillies still have Tanner Banks, although he struggled Tuesday as well, giving up a three-run home run to Carson Kelly in the top of the ninth. In any event, a good bullpen needs multiple strong lefties, and with Alvarado struggling and Matt Strahm traded away this past offseason, the Phillies certainly hope that Monday was just a blip on the radar for Mayza.
