Which Jerad Eickhoff is the real one?
Jerad Eickhoff has been puzzling this season to watch. In his first four starts of the season, Eickhoff had a 2.55 ERA, 1.05 WHIP, and 25.3% strikeout rate. In that span, he was the team’s second-best pitcher behind Jeremy Hellickson.
Since then, Eickhoff has given up four or more runs in four of his last five starts. Eickhoff allowed four runs on nine hits to the Rockies Monday, taking his fifth loss of the season. In May, Eickhoff has given up three more runs in nine fewer innings compared to April.
Last year, Eickhoff never gave up four or more runs in consecutive outings, while he has already done that this year in three straight starts. Eickhoff has been far less consistent on the mound, which is surprising considering how consistent he was in 2016.
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We continue to say that Eickhoff will be able to bounce back this season, but when will he? With an altogether inconsistent starting rotation, the Phillies need someone to set the pace, and the hope was that would be Eickhoff this season.