That Balls Outta Here
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Phillies: Five things to know vs the Cincinnati Reds

By George Stockburger

Feb 22, 2017; Clearwater, FL, USA; Philadelphia Phillies third baseman Maikel Franco (7) and center fielder Odubel Herrera (37) cut up for a photo during spring training at Spectrum Field. Mandatory Credit: Butch Dill-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 22, 2017; Clearwater, FL, USA; Philadelphia Phillies third baseman Maikel Franco (7) and center fielder Odubel Herrera (37) cut up for a photo during spring training at Spectrum Field. Mandatory Credit: Butch Dill-USA TODAY Sports /
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May 22, 2017; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Phillies starting pitcher Jerad Eickhoff (48) throws a pitch during the first inning against the Colorado Rockies at Citizens Bank Park. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports /

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.

Next: Five things from the Phillies-Rockies series

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.

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