The Phillies pitching has been one of their strengths through the first 33 games this season. As of Sunday, the staff ERA of 3.61 is fifth in the National League and eighth in all of Major League Baseball. Contributing nicely in his role is reliever Edubray Ramos, who could push closer Hector Neris should he falter.
Ramos, in his third Major League season, was 1-3 with a 3.83 ERA in 2016 and 2-7 with a 4.21 ERA last year. While neither season was stellar, Ramos displayed his ability to keep the ball in the park, allowing just nine home runs in 97 2/3 innings. A power pitcher, Ramos averaged 11.7 strikeouts per nine innings last season.
Enter 2018, and Ramos has been off to an outstanding start. He had a shaky outing on opening day, blowing a save, allowing a walk, hit and unearned run in 2/3 of an inning. However, over his next seven outings and 6 2/3 innings, Ramos allowed just three hits and two walks, while striking out eight.
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Ramos allowed his only earned run this season on April 18 against the Braves, surrendering his only home run this season. Overall, Ramos is 1-0 with a 0.64 ERA. In 14 innings, he’s allowed just nine hits while striking out 17 and walking six. His ERA and 10.67 strikeouts per nine innings are best on the staff.
Closer Hector Neris had six saves and a strong 2.77 ERA heading into Sunday. Then, he blew his second save of the season. He failed to record a single out, giving up two hits and two walks. He made a pickoff error and then hit Howie Kendrick with a pitch. He walked in the tying run before giving up the game-winning run.
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After Sunday’s blown save, Neris has an ERA of 4.15 and 6.23 walks per nine innings. Should Neris continue to falter, the Phillies have a few options, one of them being Ramos. Don’t be surprised to see Ramos push hard for the role as the season progresses.