The Phillies opened September by adding Grant Holman and Rafael Marchán

The Phillies used September roster expansion to add right-handed reliever Grant Holman and catcher Rafael Marchán, giving the club one more bullpen option and a third catcher as the stretch run begins.

The timing follows a 21-7 August, according to the Phillies’ official coverage. That record creates momentum, but September depth is about protecting the roster from the accumulation of innings, travel and short recovery windows rather than celebrating one strong month.

Holman, 26, was acquired on waivers in May after time in the Tigers organization. His immediate opportunity is straightforward: provide usable outs without forcing the highest-leverage relievers into every close game. The quality of those middle innings can determine whether the bullpen is still sharp when a postseason series compresses the schedule.

Marchán gives manager Rob Thomson more flexibility behind the plate. A third catcher can make late-game substitutions easier, preserve matchups and reduce the risk attached to using a catcher as a pinch-hitter. It also provides coverage while the staff monitors workload and health through the final month.

Neither move is designed to dominate a transaction headline. Both address the ordinary problems that become important in September: one more trustworthy inning, one more bench option and fewer situations in which the club has to choose between tonight’s game and tomorrow’s availability.

The additions should be evaluated by role, not name recognition. If Holman absorbs useful innings and Marchán lets the Phillies manage the catching workload without losing tactical options, the expanded roster will have done exactly what Philadelphia needs from it.