Phillies: Giving the players their season letter grades

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PHILADELPHIA, PA – AUGUST 15: Vince Velasquez #28 of the Philadelphia Phillies in action against the Boston Red Sox at Citizens Bank Park on August 15, 2018 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) /

The Phillies starting rotation was a major disappointment in 2019.

Aaron Nola: B

We may never see another season from Aaron Nola as great as his 2018 campaign, and while his 2019 season was a slight step back, it wasn’t horrendous by any stretch. Of Nola’s 34 starts, 53 percent were quality starts and 12 were wins.

From June 21-August 30 Nola had a 2.21 ERA, but won only 6 of his 14 starts thanks to a horrendous offense.

Jake Arrieta: D

Give Jake Arrieta credit, he tried to tough it out and play through a painful injury, but he wasn’t there or effective when the Phillies needed him.

Zach Eflin: C

Eflin showed promise down the stretch with a 2.83 ERA in his final seven starts, but he was far from consistent. Unless another team demands him in a trade for a pitcher Eflin will likely return in the backend of the rotation.

Nick Pivetta: D

Going from a Cy Young darkhorse to miserable mess was not what the Phillies hoped to get out of Nick Pivetta this year. He clashed with coaches, was sent to the minor leagues for a “readjustment,” and was inconsistent coming out of the bullpen.

Vince Velasquez: D

Have we finally come to an agreement on Vince Velasquez? Probably not. Like always, Velasquez flashed tremendous potential and athleticism but lacked the consistency needed to stick in a big league rotation.

Drew Smyly: D

Drew Smyly turned out two impressive starts after coming over from Texas, but it was all down hill from there. Smyly had a 7.20 ERA in August and failed to pitch out of the sixth inning in all five starts.

Jason Vargas: D

The Phillies knew they weren’t built to win, so they took a flier on Jason Vargas to show for something at the trade deadline. With one win and a 5.37 ERA, Vargas won’t be missed by Phillies fans.

Jerad Eickhoff: D

Things just haven’t turned out for Eickhoff as he battles nagging injuries. In 12 games he had a 5.71 ERA, and he’s a potential bullpen candidate for 2020.