2015 Phillies Rotation Candidates
By Matt Veasey
Buchanan enters spring as a rotation incumbent, but has increased competition.
(Photo Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports)
David Buchanan was the Phillies 7th round selection in the 2010 MLB Amateur Draft. He rose through the minor league system, and was called up last season at the end of May. He made his MLB debut on May 24th, gaining the victory in a 5-3 win over the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Buchanan was largely effective across 20 starts, going 6-8 with a 3.75 ERA. He lasted at least 6 innings in 14 of those 20 starts. He does not have the best “stuff” among the rotation contenders, but proved last season that he can handle big league hitters. Now, can he do it a 2nd time around, when those hitters and their scouting staffs will make adjustments to him?
Buchanan earned a role as an incumbent entering the spring, but the club has brought in a bunch of more experienced competition, and he will need to prove himself all over again.