LANCASTER, PA — Left-handed reliever Phillip Diehl, a seasoned former Major League pitcher, has officially re-signed with the Lancaster Stormers for the 2025 season, manager Ross Peeples announced. Diehl, 30, will enter his second year with the team as they gear up for their new campaign, set to begin on April 25 against the Long Island Ducks.
The Cincinnati native proved to be a vital asset for the Stormers in the 2024 season. After joining the team in June, Diehl posted an impressive 4-3 record with three saves and a stellar 2.29 ERA across 41 appearances. During a dominant stretch from June 26 to July 31, he allowed only six hits and one run over 17 2/3 innings, walked four batters, and struck out 20. He also pitched in three postseason games during the North Division Series, contributing to the Stormers’ playoff push.
“Phil was a big part of our pen last year,” Peeples stated. “He is a strong lefty who can fit several roles in the pen. He loves to compete and takes the ball every time he is asked.”
Diehl’s professional career began when he was selected by the New York Yankees in the 2016 MLB Draft out of Louisiana Tech. He made his Major League debut with the Colorado Rockies on June 11, 2019, against the Chicago Cubs and went on to appear in 15 more games for the Rockies over 2019 and 2020. By 2022, Diehl pitched for his hometown Cincinnati Reds before spending the 2023 season with the Cleveland Guardians’ Triple-A affiliate in Columbus.
Diehl joins 17 other players already under contract as the Stormers prepare to improve on last year’s success. The team will open its 63-game home schedule at Clipper Magazine Stadium on May 2, hosting the Gastonia Ghost Peppers at 6:45 pm.
With Diehl’s return to the bullpen, Lancaster fans can look forward to another season of consistent and competitive relief pitching.
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