Phillies: Who fills out the bullpen in 2018

MIAMI, FL - JULY 11: Pat Neshek #17 of the Philadelphia Phillies and the National League delivers the pitch during the 88th MLB All-Star Game at Marlins Park on July 11, 2017 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)
MIAMI, FL - JULY 11: Pat Neshek #17 of the Philadelphia Phillies and the National League delivers the pitch during the 88th MLB All-Star Game at Marlins Park on July 11, 2017 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)

Additions have been made to the Phillies bullpen this offseason that could pay off late in the regular season

Phillies general manager Matt Klentak has zeroed his focus in on improving the pitching. The bullpen has seen the greatest improvement this offseason with the addition of two established relievers.

With Pat Neshek back and Tommy Hunter now in the fray players such as Yacksel Rios and Victor Arano could be the odd men out.

Here’s a projection of the Phillies opening day bullpen for 2018:

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  • Hector Neris
  • Luis Garcia
  • Pat Neshek
  • Tommy Hunter
  • Adam Morgan
  • Mark Leiter
  • Edubray Ramos
  • Hoby Milner

Milner impressed me throughout the season, finishing with a 2.01 ERA in 37 games. If he can cut back his walks just a hair, he can be a reliable middle reliever for the next decade.

Then there are the guys who just miss the club, whether they be prospects or players who receive an invite to major league camp.
Then there are the guys who just miss the club, whether they be prospects or players who receive an invite to major league camp. /
  • Yacksel Rios
  • Victor Arano
  • Zac Curtis
  • Ricardo Pinto
  • Drew Anderson
  • Pedro Beato

Arano did impress in 10 games for Philadelphia at times last year after jumping from Reading to the majors. Just 22-years-old Arano had a 1.69 ERA with 13 strikeouts in 10.2 innings.

Beato worked as the IronPigs closer for nearly the entire season, earning a record 33 saves. The 31-year-old made just one appearance with the Phillies but left a strong enough impression to get a minor league deal with an invitation to spring training.

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Expect the organization to add at least one more veteran to a minor league deal with an invitation to spring training.