That Balls Outta Here
FanSided

Five takeaways from Phillies opening series against Braves

By Koy Zdimal

ATLANTA, GA - MARCH 32: Rhys Hoskins #17 of the Philadelphia Phillies hits a first inning single to knock in a run against the Atlanta Braves at SunTrust Park on March 31, 2018 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Scott Cunningham/Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GA - MARCH 32: Rhys Hoskins #17 of the Philadelphia Phillies hits a first inning single to knock in a run against the Atlanta Braves at SunTrust Park on March 31, 2018 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Scott Cunningham/Getty Images) /
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PHILADELPHIA, PA – AUGUST 25: Starting pitcher Jerad Eickhoff #48 of the Philadelphia Phillies delivers a pitch in the third inning against the Chicago Cubs at Citizens Bank Park on August 25, 2017 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Drew Hallowell/Getty Images) /

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.

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