Phillies 2016 Rotation: An Early Prediction

Sep 20, 2015; San Francisco, CA, USA;

Former Arizona Diamondbacks starting pitcher Hellickson (58) throws a pitch against the San Francisco Giants during the first inning at AT&T Park.

(Photo Credit: Ed Szczepanski-USA TODAY Sports)

JEREMY HELLICKSON – LIKELY

The Phillies acquired 2011 American League Rookie of the Year Jeremy Hellickson from the Arizona Diamondbacks in November, sending 20-year-old pitching prospect Sam McWilliams over to the Snakes.

Hellickson has one year remaining on his contract, which should give the Phillies an Aaron Harang-like stopgap in the rotation for the upcoming 2016 season. He is also arbitration eligible, and turns just 29 years old in early April, so it remains possible that the club could ink him to a multi-year deal prior to the season.

The veteran righthander entered the Majors with much hype after being chosen by the Tampa Bay Rays in the 4th round of the 2005 MLB Amateur Draft. In that 2011 rookie season, Hellickson notched 13 wins against 10 losses, and recorded a magnificent 2.95 ERA over 29 starts on his way to taking home that ROY award.

Hellickson followed up his 2011 season with two more double-digit wins seasons in 2012 and 2013. However, he pitched to a dreadful 5.17 ERA in that 2013 campaign. Injuries and more inconsistency have since further derailed Hellickson’s once promising career.

Hellickson began the 2014 season on the disabled list after undergoing arthroscopic surgery on his elbow prior to the start of spring training. When he finally got on the mound, the righty labored through 13 starts, going 1-5 with a 4.52 ERA.

After the season, the Rays gave up on waiting for Hellickson to rediscover himself, shipping him off to Arizona for a pair of prospects. Hellickson started 27 games for the D-Backs last season, going 9-12 with a 4.62 ERA in 146 innings.

Home runs have long been a problem for Hellickson. He allowed 22 last season with the Dbacks, which may not bode well for a pitcher who will now be calling Citizens Bank Park his home. Hellickson was acquired with the expectation that he will be in the rotation when spring camp breaks, so he certainly has an inside track.

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