Phillies Lose Series Finale to Reds, 7-4: Four Observations

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Apr 6, 2017; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Philadelphia Phillies starting pitcher Clay Buchholz throws against the Cincinnati Reds during the first inning at Great American Ball Park. Mandatory Credit: David Kohl-USA TODAY Sports /

Clay Buchholz’s Debut Didn’t Go As Planned

Also making his debut for the Phillies Thursday was pitcher Clay Buchholz, whom the team brought over in an offseason trade with the Red Sox. Mackanin said he hoped Buchholz could mirror the success Jeremy Hellickson had last season: [quote via Todd Zolecki of MLB.com]

"“I look for him to have the same type of year as [Jeremy] Hellickson,…He’s a similar type of pitcher. He relies on his command and control. When he mixes his pitches and changes speeds, that’s when he’s effective.”"

If Buchholz is going to have Hellickson-like success, this wasn’t the way to start it. Buchholz lasted just five innings in his debut, giving up four runs on seven hits and two walks in the process. His ERA now stands at 7.20 after today’s game.

Buchholz admitted to Lawrence the debut wasn’t his best work, but that it was still better than it could have been:

"“It could have gone a lot better,” Buchholz said. “It could have gone a lot worse in a couple of situations.”"

Thankfully, the Phils provided enough offense to cushion the blow dealt by Cincinnati’s offense early on and keep Buchholz from getting a loss, but the next pitcher Mackanin sent out was left on his own.

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