Jun 27, 2015; Houston, TX, USA;
Former Houston Astros starting pitcher Oberholtzer (39) pitches against the New York Yankees in the first inning at Minute Maid Park.
(Photo Credit: Thomas B. Shea-USA TODAY Sports)
BRETT OBERHOLTZER – LIKELY
Oberholtzer was a part of the huge package, along with former top MLB Draft overall pick Mark Appel, that the Houston Astros sent the Phillies way for talented young closer Ken Giles and prospect infielder Jonathan Arauz just a few weeks ago. A local kid, the lefty was born in Christiana, Delaware and attended William Penn High School in New Castle, Delaware.
An eighth round selection of the Braves in the 2008 MLB Amateur Draft, Oberholtzer was eventually traded to the Astros in 2011, and would make his MLB debut with the ‘Stros in 2013. That year, Oberholtzer went 4-5 with an excellent 2.76 ERA in 13 games, including 10 starts. The rookie southpaw even tossed two complete games with one shutout.
His sophomore 2014 season was anything but memorable. Oberholtzer owned a 5-13 record and a 4.39 ERA in 24 games, allowing 170 hits in 143.2 innings. Last season, Oberholtzer split time between AAA and the majors, making just eight starts with the big club in Houston.
Many Phillies fans (including myself) were not thrilled with Oberholtzer being included in the deal for Giles, but he should be able to do exactly what the Phillies need him to do — eat a lot of innings. Still just 26 years old, perhaps a move to the National League will suit Oberholtzer well.
There is still potential for him to be a serviceable back-end starter, even after the Phillies rebuild is complete. As Phillies MLB.com beat writer Todd Zolecki pointed out, Oberholtzer is out of options, which Zolecki said puts him “in a strong position to make the pitching staff” when the season opens. Will that be as a starter, or in the bullpen? That will be a question for spring training to answer.
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