Phillies: What to expect from Spencer Howard in MLB debut

The Phillies have a winner in Spencer Howard

First off, let’s ease your concerns and worries about the Phillies rushing Howard up to the big leagues too quickly and making him a bust. Similar to Aaron Nola, Howard was drafted out of college after pitching for a few seasons at Cal Poly. He does not need as much preparation as some of the younger guys in the minor leagues. He faced some big bats on the West Coast against teams like UC Irvine, who had first-round pick Keston Hiura in their lineup. Nola likely saw fiercer competition in the SEC, pitching at a powerhouse school like LSU, but Howard was more than ready to begin his professional career when he did.

Most will be worried about the fact that Howard pitched in just six games in Double-A with the Reading Fightin’ Phils last year. That shouldn’t be a huge concern with the numbers he posted though. In those six starts, he was 1-0 with a 2.35 ERA, a 0.95 WHIP, a .180 BAA, 38 strikeouts, and just nine walks in 30 2/3 innings of work.

Not to mention, Howard has allowed just 10 home runs in 47 career minor league starts. He also pitched in the Arizona Fall League in 2019 and had a record of 1-1 with a 2.11 ERA, a 0.94 WHIP, 27 strikeouts, and 10 walks in six starts and 21 1/3 innings.

There’s no doubt in anyone’s mind that this kid is a winner. He’s put up great numbers everywhere he’s been, and he loves to compete.