That Balls Outta Here
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Edubray Ramos having quiet success for Phillies out of bullpen

By Kerry Kauffman

LOS ANGELES, CA - MAY 29: Edubray Ramos #61 of the Philadelphia Phillies pitches during the ninth inning of a game against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodger Stadium on May 29, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA - MAY 29: Edubray Ramos #61 of the Philadelphia Phillies pitches during the ninth inning of a game against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodger Stadium on May 29, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images) /
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With the Phillies keeping pace in the NL East, the bullpen becomes an important factor. Edubray Ramos is quietly having the best season out of the pen.

The Phillies are keeping pace with the Washington Nationals and the Atlanta Braves nearly halfway through the season despite having numerous issues in the bullpen. One solid foundation out of the bullpen has been Edubray Ramos, who leads the team in appearances and earned run average.

Fans may recall that the 25-year old Ramos has pitched for the Phillies since 2016. While having some degree of success, Ramos’ overall numbers had been mediocre. He pitched to a 3.83 ERA in his rookie season in 2016 with 40 strikeouts in 40 innings.

After a successful stint at Triple-A Lehigh Valley in 2017 in which Ramos pitched to a 1.54 ERA, Ramos appeared in 57 games in the majors. Emerging as a big-time strikeout pitcher, Ramos fanned 75 in 59 innings. On the flip side, he lost seven and his ERA ballooned to 4.21.

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Enter 2018 and with much uncertainty as to who would claim what role in the pen, Ramos has quietly and extremely effectively done as asked.  He’s allowed earned runs in just two of 32 appearances, both on home runs. Ramos hasn’t given up a run since May 22 and an earned run since May 8. His 0.64 ERA is not only the lowest on the team but the lowest among qualified relievers this year.

Clearly, a situational pitcher averaging less than an inning per outing, he’s succeeded nearly every time Gabe Kapler has called on him.  While control is probably the biggest weakness for Ramos, issuing 11 walks in 28 1/3 innings, he’s struck out 32 and given up just 20 hits, for a slim WHIP of 1.09.

Ramos has slowly worked his way into high-leverage situations and has proven himself a strong option.

With Hector Neris optioned to Triple-A, Ramos could find himself in an ever increasingly important role. With Seranthony Dominguez taking over as closer, he and Ramos could pose a formidable back end of the bullpen.

Next: Phillies interested in third baseman Adrian Beltre

The longer the Phillies stay in the playoff race, the more important the bullpen becomes.  The man who many didn’t consider a factor heading into this season is having the most success. Flying under the radar, Ramos could be the key to the team’s long-term fortunes.

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