PHILADELPHIA -- Phillies manager Pete Mackanin probably had a hunch Jesen Therrien would make the big leagues this season.

Therrien, 24, made three Grapefruit League appearances in the spring. He struck out three in 2 1/3 perfect innings. After one of those games, Mackanin asked for his autograph.

"I was pretty excited when it happened," said Therrien, whom the Phillies promoted Friday. "I was like, 'I probably did a good job.'"

Mackanin asked because Therrien is from Montreal, just like Mackanin's wife Nancy. But it is probably safe to say Mackanin would not have asked Therrien had he been throwing meatballs to hitters.

Therrien is a hard-throwing right-hander with a good slider. He takes Pat Neshek's spot in the bullpen. Therrien posted a combined 1.41 ERA in 39 appearances this season with Double-A Reading and Lehigh Valley. In 18 appearances with the IronPigs, he struck out 26 and walked six in 26 2/3 innings.

"It's amazing," Therrien said. "I'm so happy."

Therrien will get a good look the remainder of the season. He could be part of the team's future plans if he pitches well.

"After every year, the goal of every professional baseball player is to be in the Major Leagues," Therrien said. "Now that I'm here, I want to try to make the best out of it."