Phillies beat the Giants: Five things we learned from the series

6 of 6

Jun 4, 2017; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Phillies relief pitcher Pat Neshek (17) throws a pitch during the eighth inning against the San Francisco Giants at Citizens Bank Park. The Phillies defeated the Giants, 9-7. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports /

Neshek the All-Star?

In a season full of disappointment and flawed acquisitions, the Phillies have seen reliever Pat Neshek evolve into an All-Star caliber arm. He could eventually be the Phillies lone representative at the mid-summer classic and fetch the largest return in a trade.

It’s unlikely the Phillies get an Andrew Miller sized return of prospects for Neshek, but a contender would love an eighth-inning arm who’s shut down opponents all season.

After pitching for Team USA in the World Baseball Classic Neshek owns a .89 ERA for the Phillies in 22 games while allowing just two runs and striking out 20.

Next: Three Reasons the Phillies Fell Apart in May

Nothing is “normal” about how Neshek pitches, but it works and will garner a large return of young talent at the trade deadline.

Joe Maddon, who’ll manage the National League All-Star roster, will certainly take a look at Neshek in Miami. Perhaps the Cubs manager will want Neshek on his scorecard more often once the trade deadline comes around.

Home/Phillies News