That Balls Outta Here
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Phillies: An early projection of the 2018 major-league roster

By John Town

SARASOTA, FL - MARCH 13: Bob McClure #22 of the Philadelphia Phillies makes a pitching change during the seventh inning of the Spring Training Game against the Baltimore Orioles on March 13, 2017 at Ed Smith Stadium in Sarasota, Florida. Baltimore defeated Philadelphia 6-4. (Photo by Leon Halip/Getty Images)
SARASOTA, FL - MARCH 13: Bob McClure #22 of the Philadelphia Phillies makes a pitching change during the seventh inning of the Spring Training Game against the Baltimore Orioles on March 13, 2017 at Ed Smith Stadium in Sarasota, Florida. Baltimore defeated Philadelphia 6-4. (Photo by Leon Halip/Getty Images) /
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Starting Rotation

  1. Aaron Nola
  2. Jerad Eickhoff
  3. Vince Velasquez
  4. Nick Pivetta
  5. Ben Lively

This is the position group that could still see some significant overhaul in the next month and a half. The rotation last year was a complete dumpster fire, and general manager Matt Klentak expressed his desire to improve the rotation, probably through trade.

Nola flashed ace potential in 2017 and finished out the year healthy, so he will definitely be at the top of the rotation. From there, things get iffy.

Eickhoff had a strong first year and a half of his career in the majors before his command started to falter and injuries took their toll last year. While his 2017 was a disappointment, it’s not enough to give up on him yet.

Velasquez had his struggles with command and injury yet again in 2017, ending the year on the disabled list with a vascular issue. He is expected to be ready for spring training. The front office still wants to try him as a starter, so he should still get a spot.

The last two spots in the rotation are wide open and could go to any one of a large group of players. Pivetta made the second-most starts of any Phillie last year and has potential, while Lively was the most consistent and had the team’s only complete game.

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