Phillies Spring Training Position Preview: Bullpen
Every bullpen needs a left-handed specialist, and it appears there will be plenty of competition come spring training.
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Rodriguez, 25, has less than 10 innings of Major League experience under his belt but is the only lefty currently listed on the Phillies bullpen depth chart. Last season was kind to the young Dominican as he pitched to a 7-0 while posting a 2.35 ERA over three different levels of Minor League ball. Look for Rodriguez to join the Phils as they head north, however, he’ll be on a short leash due to inexperience and some veterans chasing the spot.
Burnett is a complete wild card. The 34-year-old enters 2017 after seeing time in just 26 games since 2012 and it’s hard to expect much more from him this season. Burnett will need to show some promise in camp to join the club Opening Day but it seems to be a long shot.
Ramos is the southpaw to watch comes mid-February. The 32-year old struggled last season with Texas but proved himself to be quite successful in previous seasons.
Year Age Tm Lg W L W-L% ERA G GS GF CG SHO SV IP H R ER HR BB IBB SO HBP BK WP BF ERA+ FIP WHIP H9 HR9 BB9 SO9 SO/W Awards 2014 30 TBR AL 2 6 .250 3.70 43 7 14 0 0 0 82.2 73 39 34 8 39 7 66 1 0 4 360 101 4.24 1.355 7.9 0.9 4.2 7.2 1.69 2015 31 LAA AL 2 1 .667 2.75 65 0 21 0 0 0 52.1 55 17 16 2 15 0 43 3 0 5 221 138 3.02 1.338 9.5 0.3 2.6 7.4 2.87 2016 32 TEX AL 3 3 .500 6.04 16 4 2 0 0 1 47.2 60 34 32 12 20 1 27 1 0 0 212 75 6.61 1.678 11.3 2.3 3.8 5.1 1.35
It is reasonable to think that Ramos will join Rodriguez on the 25-man-roster when all is said and done with the best man landing the lefty specialist role as the season progresses.
With so much talent in front of him, Morgan will likely see himself relegated to the bullpen, if not the minors. The decision may have already been made by manager Pete Mackanin and it will take an impressive showing this spring to change his mind.