Player Review/Preview: Kevin Munson

Kevin Munson

Position: Relief Pitcher

Key 2013 Stats (In AA and AAA): 53 games, 2-4 W-L, 4.12 ERA, 14 saves, 66 K, 22 BB

What Happened in 2013

As a member of the Arizona Diamondbacks organization, Munson began the year pitching for the team’s AA affiliate in Mobile Bay.  Serving as the team’s closer, he recorded 13 saves before being promoted to AAA.  He struggled a bit at the higher level, recording a 5.09 ERA despite reducing the number of walks he allowed.

The Diamondbacks apparently did not think that highly of him as he was left off of their 40 man roster.  He was then selected by the Phillies in the Rule 5 draft.

What to Expect in 2014

The Phillies need to keep Munson on the major league roster for the entire season or else they will have to offer him back to the Diamondbacks.  With the Phillies’ bullpen in so much flux, it is possible that he does stick with the team.

The Phillies’ decision will probably not come down to Munson’s performance as much as how the other potential bullpen candidates perform in Spring Training.  For instance, if Mike Adams is not able to start the season with the big league club, that will open up an extra spot.  It also might depend if guys like Phillippe Aumont and Justin De Fratus can finally live up to their potential and become valuable relievers.

If he does stay with the team for the entire season, I don’t see him making much of an impact.  They will likely only use him for mop up duty, similar to how they utilized David Herndon in 2010.  The hope is that (unlike Herndon), Munson would eventually develop into a reliable late-inning pitcher in the years to come.