Jerad Eickhoff and Jake Arrieta desperately needed
Coming into the season we knew starting pitching would be the team’s primary struggle. It showed in the last two games of the series. Nick Pivetta (4 IP 3 ER 5 H 2 BB) and Vince Velasquez (2.2 IP 7 R 4 ER 9 H 2 BB) both failed to surpass five innings.
Interestingly, this was Vince Velasquez’s 40th career start. He has failed to go past five innings 20 times. Many have suggested a bullpen move for Velasquez. If he continues to perform the way he has over the past two years the switch could be coming.
Jake Arrieta is set to make his debut April 8 against the Miami Marlins. Meanwhile, Eickhoff is still out for over a month. The Phillies desperately need pitching if they expect to be in any type of contention as they year progresses.