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Phillies: Zach Eflin Destined for the Bullpen After Knees Flare Up

By George Stockburger |
Jun 14, 2016; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Philadelphia Phillies starting pitcher Zach Eflin (56) looks toward the scoreboard as he leaves the game in the third inning against Toronto Blue Jays at Rogers Centre. The Jays won 11-2. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 14, 2016; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Philadelphia Phillies starting pitcher Zach Eflin (56) looks toward the scoreboard as he leaves the game in the third inning against Toronto Blue Jays at Rogers Centre. The Jays won 11-2. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports

Chronic knee pain could force Phillies pitcher Zach Eflin into the ‘pen

After a rough major league debut in Toronto where he failed to escape the third inning, Phillies prospect Zach Eflin was lights out down the stretch. Over his next seven starts he held a 2.08 ERA and pitched two complete games.

Eflin’s rookie season fell off the tracks in August when knee tendonitis forced him onto the disabled list. After undergoing offseason surgery on both of his knees the Phillies hoped Eflin would be physically able to return to his dominant form in 2017 and beyond.

Initial reports out of Clearwater were positive, but after nearly a week of pitchers and catchers in Florida, the narrative surrounding Eflin has changed.

Manager Pete Mackanin decided to hold out Eflin from live batting practice after Eflin complained of knee soreness. Mackanin and Eflin tried to ease concern, with the pitcher saying “It’s just a little something I felt after running sprints two days ago.”

Jul 5, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Phillies starting pitcher Zach Eflin (56) reacts after getting Powerade dumped on him by right fielder Jimmy Paredes (41) and second baseman Andres Blanco (4)after beating the Atlanta Braves and picking up his first major league win at Citizens Bank Park. The Phillies defeated the Braves, 5-1. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 5, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Phillies starting pitcher Zach Eflin (56) reacts after getting Powerade dumped on him by right fielder Jimmy Paredes (41) and second baseman Andres Blanco (4)after beating the Atlanta Braves and picking up his first major league win at Citizens Bank Park. The Phillies defeated the Braves, 5-1. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports /

Perhaps it’s the fact he’s coming off surgery on both of his knees, but hearing springs are causing knee pain is never a good sign.

Because of that news, it may be in the Phillies, and Eflin’s, best interests to make a move to the bullpen.

Having Eflin presents two possible options for the Phillies: he could be a quality long-reliever or work his way into a set-up man role.

Making a move to the bullpen is sometimes a disparaging move for a young pitcher, but if Eflin desires a long, quality professional career, it might be best.

In nearly equal amount of time last year Eflin performed better as the game progressed, which could not bode well for him.

Tack it up to warming up as the game goes on, but Eflin certainly performed better as he reached the 50 pitch range.

More from That Balls Outta Here

Perhaps the recent knee soreness is just spring training aches and pains, but the Phillies will certainly have to monitor Eflin. Should he start the season healthy a start in Lehigh Valley is most likely. It’s not

It’s not that Eflin can not pitch in the majors; he showed he very well can do so.

Trading for Clay Buchholz means a young arm such as Eflin gets more time to rest and work on command in the minors.

If one of the other starters goes down with injury (Aaron Nola) and Eflin is healthy you can guarantee the first call the club makes will be for him.

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