
Comeback Player of the Year: Zach Eflin
I will end this article on a positive note, taking a look at a great success story this year. Zach Eflin showed promise his first two seasons, but injuries and inconsistency have kept him from fulfilling that promise. Now, that is starting to change.
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Eflin started the year in Triple-A as Ben Lively won the fifth spot in the rotation, but an early injury to Lively had Eflin back in the majors in May. He became a mainstay the rest of the first half up until the last day when a finger blister forced him to the disabled list. It shouldn’t impede him for long.
In 12 starts this year, Eflin has logged 68.2 innings, posting a 3.15 ERA, 3.03 FIP, 1.08 WHIP, and 4.79 strikeout-to-walk ratio. The only pitcher who has better numbers than Eflin in the rotation has been Aaron Nola. That isn’t a bad person to be second-best to.
2018 has been a breakout season for Eflin so far.
He has given no reason to think he will fall off in the second half, and the team will need him at his best for the coming playoff push.
Next: Phillies should remain cautious in reliever market
Runners-up: Maikel Franco, Nick Pivetta, Vince Velasquez