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That Balls Outta Here

Phillies: Five things we learned from the Reds series

By John Town

May 27, 2017; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Phillies first baseman Tommy Joseph (19) is doused with ice after hitting a walk off RBI single against the Cincinnati Reds during the ninth inning at Citizens Bank Park. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
May 27, 2017; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Phillies first baseman Tommy Joseph (19) is doused with ice after hitting a walk off RBI single against the Cincinnati Reds during the ninth inning at Citizens Bank Park. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports /
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May 28, 2017; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Phillies starting pitcher Zach Eflin (56) reacts after allowing home run by Cincinnati Reds left fielder Adam Duvall (23) (not pictured) during the fifth inning at Citizens Bank Park. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports /

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.

Next: Phillies Weekly Awards

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.

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