Philadelphia Phillies bullpen arm Tanner Banks has had a great start to the season.

Banks has been a consistent performer coming out of the pen this year, whilst the Phillies have had some struggles with other relievers.

Across 51.1 innings, Banks currently has an ERA of 3.16, the second lowest of his career so far, paired with a career high 3 wins.

With a 5-pitch mix, Banks favours the slider 35.8% of the time, with the sweeper being used 22.3%.

Batters have struggled with Banks on the mound this season, averaging just .220 against him, with left-handed batters particularly struggling with an average of only .164.

‘Making quality pitches and trusting the catcher and defence’ has been key for Banks this season as it has allowed him to focus on things he can control.

The lefty has had great pitch control on the mound all year striking out 50 whilst only allowing 8 walks.

Tanner has focused on developing this over the last year stating he’s ‘being more mindful of where I’m trying to throw the pitch instead of throwing as hard as I can.’

Whilst his pitching velocity is down slightly from past years, Banks says the trade-off is ‘absolutely worth it.’

With the recent acquisition of Jhoan Duran from the Minnesota Twins, and the resigning of David Robertson, the bullpen has recently grown for the Phils.

Banks describes the morale around the pen as ‘really good’, and says new teammate Duran is ‘an awesome fit’ with the pitching staff being ‘stoked to have him out there’.

The Phillies acquired Banks from the Chicago White Sox in July 2024.

‘Crazy how time flies’ Banks says, ‘It has been an awesome experience with the Phillies’.

‘For me, the biggest learning has come from the importance of the process behind what pitch and why.’ Tanner states.

Phillies fans have lofty aspirations for the team this year, but the team are remaining level headed and not getting too far ahead of themselves.

‘We’re all just trying to do our best, show up every night and keep the score where it was when we entered the game’ Banks said when asked about the bullpen.

The Phillies currently have a five game lead on the Mets in the NL East and look to continue their hot streak.

We wish Tanner all the best for the remainder of the season!