Zach Eflin has more issues to resolve in AAA
Last year Zach Eflin looked like an established major league starter when he threw two complete games, one being a three-hit shutout against the Pirates. Acquired in the Jimmy Rollins trade with Los Angeles it appeared the Phillies had a piece for their rotation going forward.
Two knee surgeries later and the righty is struggling to find himself on the mound. He’s not as confident in his breaking pitches, which are being hammered around the ballpark in 2017.
He’s overusing his sinker as well compared to last season, something obvious in the chart below, while turning away from his slider.
Eflin looked completely lost Sunday against the Reds, and his return to Lehigh Valley was imminent.
Either Ben Lively or Nick Pivetta will get the next shot to establish themselves in the major league rotation, with Pivetta already struggling through four major league starts.