That Balls Outta Here
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Phillies need to get more out of their starting rotation

By Andrew Snyder

PHILADELPHIA, PA - JUNE 11: Starting pitcher Jake Arrieta #49 of the Philadelphia Phillies throws a pitch in the fifth inning during a game against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Citizens Bank Park on June 11, 2019 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Phillies defeated the Diamondbacks 7-4. (Photo by Hunter Martin/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA - JUNE 11: Starting pitcher Jake Arrieta #49 of the Philadelphia Phillies throws a pitch in the fifth inning during a game against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Citizens Bank Park on June 11, 2019 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Phillies defeated the Diamondbacks 7-4. (Photo by Hunter Martin/Getty Images) /
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While they are on their way to a playoff spot, the 2019 Phillies need more pitching to improve their roster heading into the back half of the season.

In hindsight, the Phillies should have known the rotation could quickly become a repetitive issue. Gabe Kapler had Aaron Nola and Jake Arrieta leading the rotation since day one, but even that tandem has struggled this season. Nola seems to be struggling with his delivery this season, while Arrieta has let up nearly ten hits per nine innings leading to an era over four.

The back end of the rotation, meaning spots three through five, has been even more inconsistent. Part of the inconsistencies stems from injuries and fatigue from the likes of Zach Eflin and utterly underwhelming performances from Vince Velasquez, Jerad Eickhoff, and the ever-so-unpredictable Nick Pivetta, all of whom were destined for future roles within the rotation.

Eflin is beginning to appear as the surefire answer for the No. 3 man in this rotation, recording a 3.10 ERA in 80 innings of work, missing only one start so far. Eflin’s stuff has always been there, and his command of the strike zone has improved, allowing for quicker outs and more innings per start. If he can keep this up, Eflin should be the No. 3 guy should the Phillies make the playoffs.

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Bringing up members of the Triple-A rotation does not seem to be the recipe for success this season, either. Cole Irvin flashed No. 5 starter potential with craftiness and command, but his stuff didn’t play for long at the big-league level.

Looking towards the trade market as we approach the deadline, The Phillies have an opportunity to bolster the rotation in a big way.

Even with Dallas Keuchel gone to the Atlanta Braves, there is plenty of meat left on the bone in terms of trade target depth.

While he might be a little odd and outspoken, there’s no denying that Trevor Bauer would be an instant upgrade over internal options that the Phils have in their system. Bauer was exceptional last year but has struggled a little bit thus far into 2019, lowering his bargaining value which plays out well for the Phillies.

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Bauer’s ERA is under four, and the strikeout numbers are still there, meaning there’s still tread left on the tires. Bauer would be yet another righty, but he’s only 28 and gives the team flexibility when considering rotation options for next year.

Another avenue to go down in this year’s trade market is Mike Minor, a known target since his days with the Atlanta Braves. Adding Minor would give the club a reliable lefty in the rotation who can slot in at the No. 3 or No. 4 spot in the rotation. He still has a good fastball, and his numbers with Texas suggest that if he can remain healthy, the Phillies can resign him to a short-term deal after this season.

If the Phillies did sign a free agent such as Bauer or Minor, it still leaves one spot in the rotation open. It seems like Nick Pivetta is going to be the front runner for that spot given Vince Velasquez’s inability to get deep into ballgames and stay out of the middle of the plate.

Pivetta has the stuff to be a top-three guy but has lacked command of all his pitches. The flashes of brilliance Pivetta shows have kept him around, but it’s going to take consistency for him to stay in the rotation.

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Only general manager Matt Klentak and the front office genuinely know what route they are going to take this summer but let us hope that improving the rotation is a top priority. If history is any indication, pitching is what wins championships, and Philadelphia needs a lot more of it if they want to capture their first title in over a decade.

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