Phillies: Three players with something to prove in spring training
By Bryce Turner
Cole Irvin
Irvin spent 2019 between the Phillies and AAA Lehigh Valley. His first call-up in May went off to a great start, giving up only one earned run over seven innings to record the win against the Kansas City Royals.
But the numbers saw a decline thereafter, giving up three earned runs over six innings against the Colorado Rockies before picking up the loss against the Chicago Cubs, where he gave up seven earned runs over 4.2 innings.
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Irvin’s June call-up saw him give up 11 earned runs over 7.2 innings of relief.
He appeared again for the Phillies in July before getting another opportunity in September.
During that final month, he gave up only one earned run over 12.1 innings of relief, ending the season with a 5.83 ERA, 1.392 WHIP and -0.4 WAR.
Given the ups-and-downs of his time at the major league level, Irvin can use spring training to prove that he’s ready for regular opportunities as a reliever and perhaps as a starter if needed.
The bullpen was a significant concern for the Phillies last season and would figure to have more room for movement behind closer Hector Neris.