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Phillies: 10 keys to winning the National League East

By George Stockburger

CLEARWATER, FL - MARCH 11: Bryce Harper #3 of the Philadelphia Phillies talks to manager Gabe Kapler prior to a Grapefruit League spring training game against the Tampa Bay Rays at Spectrum Field on March 11, 2019 in Clearwater, Florida. The Rays won 8-2. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
CLEARWATER, FL - MARCH 11: Bryce Harper #3 of the Philadelphia Phillies talks to manager Gabe Kapler prior to a Grapefruit League spring training game against the Tampa Bay Rays at Spectrum Field on March 11, 2019 in Clearwater, Florida. The Rays won 8-2. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /
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PHILADELPHIA, PA – SEPTEMBER 17: Philadelphia Phillies Manager Gabe Kapler (22) looks on as the trainer attends to Philadelphia Phillies Outfield Odubel Herrera (37) who was hit by a pitch during the fifth inning of a Major League Baseball game between the New York Mets and the Philadelphia Phillies on September 17, 2018( (Photo by Gregory Fisher/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA – SEPTEMBER 17: Philadelphia Phillies Manager Gabe Kapler (22) looks on as the trainer attends to Philadelphia Phillies Outfield Odubel Herrera (37) who was hit by a pitch during the fifth inning of a Major League Baseball game between the New York Mets and the Philadelphia Phillies on September 17, 2018( (Photo by Gregory Fisher/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

The Phillies must stay healthy in 2019

Health is the key to any team’s success, no matter what the sport or the level of competition. Last season the Phillies were relatively healthy, though they did have some major bumps along the way.

An injury that was incredibly scary but might have been for the best was when Rhys Hoskins took a pitch to the jaw in the middle of a prolonged slump. After sitting out for a short period of time Hoskins came back and found his swing down the stretch.

Members of the starting rotation also dealt with minor injuries during the course of last season. Vince Velasquez suffered a forearm contusion after getting hit by a line drive and Zach Eflin dealt with a blister on a pitching finger.

Two key Phillies quietly played through injuries last year; Cesar Hernandez played with a broken foot and Jake Arrieta played through a meniscus injury that required offseason surgery.

Having Pat Neshek healthy to start the season is another plus for the Phillies after he missed over three months with a lat strain. Neshek, who is on the final guaranteed year of his contract is a critical piece for the bullpen as a setup man. If he plays well the Phillies could exercise his $7 million option. If they don’t exercise the option, then they’ll buy out the soon-to-be 39-year-old for $750,000.

Health has to be consistent across the board for the Phillies if they want to succeed in 2019.

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