Phillies: 38 player milestones to watch for in 2020 season
By Matt Rappa
Adam Morgan
(188) – 200 games
(291) – 300 strikeouts
Left-handed reliever Adam Morgan has come a long way as a Phillie, starting his career in 2015 and 2016 in the rotation before transitioning full-time to the bullpen. The Tampa, Florida, native needs just 12 more games and nine more strikeouts to reach 200 and 300, respectively for his career.
Aaron Nola
(797 2/3) – 800 innings pitched
(863) – 900 strikeouts
Aaron Nola appears to be off to his best season yet; posting historic numbers in the process. Following his outing Saturday evening, the right-hander became the first Phillies pitcher to allow three or fewer hits while striking out eight or more batters in three straight starts — since the current mound distance was established (1893), notes the Philadelphia Inquirer’s Matt Breen.
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Nola will surely reach and pass 800 career innings pitched during his next start later this week. If he continues his near 10 strikeouts per start rate, he could reach 900 career strikeouts in as few as four starts, which would take us to early-to-mid-September.
Hector Neris
(69) – 70 saves
Right-handed closer Hector Neris has had two chances to reach 70 career saves, but has blown back-to-back opportunities against the Baltimore Orioles and New York Mets, allowing a combined four runs in two innings.
Once Neris reaches 70 career saves, he will become just the ninth Phillies reliever ever to do so, joining Jonathan Papelbon (123), Jose Mesa (112), Steve Bedrosian (103), Mitch Williams (102), Brad Lidge (100), Tug McGraw (94), Ron Reed (90), and Ricky Bottalico (78).