Phillies: Three prominent reasons the team has struggled in this season

May 6, 2017; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Phillies starting pitcher Vince Velasquez (28) walks back to the mound after giving up a two run home run to Washington Nationals first baseman Ryan Zimmerman (11) during the fourth inning at Citizens Bank Park. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports /

2 of 3

May 30, 2017; Miami, FL, USA; Philadelphia Phillies starting pitcher Vince Velasquez (28) delivers a pitch in the first inning against the Miami Marlins at Marlins Park. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports /

High ERAs from the Starting Pitchers

Aaron Nola, Jeremy Hellickson, Jerad Eickhoff, Nick Pivetta, Vince Velasquez, Zach Eflin and Clay Buchholz have all started at least a game this season. None of them have an ERA this season below four and in fact, Hellickson’s 4.45 ERA is the lowest of all starters.

All told, the starters have a combined 4.79 ERA, allowing 130 runs on 277 hits and a whopping 50 home runs, in 244 1/3 innings.

Perhaps the most disturbing part is the lack or progression and even a decline in the production of Vince Velasquez. He’s run high pitch totals in most games and has surpassed six innings in a start only three times this season.

Velasquez has victimized by the long ball 11 times this season and has seen his ERA skyrocket to 5.58, nearly a run and a half higher than last season. Now Velasquez is likely to miss time due to an injury sustained in Tuesday’s start.

Home/Phillies News