Phillies 2016 Rotation: An Early Prediction

Jul 22, 2015; Philadelphia, PA, USA;

Philadelphia Phillies starting pitcher Morgan (39) pitches against the Tampa Bay Rays during the first inning at Citizens Bank Park.

(Photo Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports)

ADAM MORGAN – OUTSIDE SHOT

Not many people expected Adam Morgan to contribute as much as he did to the Phillies big league club last season. A 3rd round pick of the Phils in the 2011 MLB Amateur Draft out of Alabama, Morgan was one of the top pitching prospects in the club’s minor league system before an injury-riddled 2013 forced him to undergo shoulder surgery in January 2014.

Morgan missed all of the 2014 season, and began 2015 with the AAA Lehigh Valley IronPigs. Morgan was winless in 13 AAA starts, but the Phillies still called him up to make his first big league debut on June 21st. Morgan was superb in that start against the St. Louis Cardinals, going 5.2 innings, allowing six hits, one run and striking out six in his first Major League victory.

The lefty would go on to toss 84.1 innings with the Phillies before being shut down in mid-September. Though his 4.48 ERA may not indicate it, the lefty was very effective in most of his starts, especially when you consider his stuff took a hit following his shoulder surgery.

Morgan should be first in line to take over a rotation spot if one of the others goes down or is traded. He could also out-pitch Oberholtzer for a rotation spot in spring. Personally, I’d like to see Morgan take the starting spot from Oberholtzer. Whichever lefty doesn’t make the rotation could still make the club, pitching out of the bullpen.

Next: Phillies Rotation: Outside Shot