Phillies: 3 players that can help avoid late-season collapse
The Phillies losing 5 of 7 games to the Marlins does not bode well for their postseason chances
While the MLB playoff format is the widest open it has ever been, both in terms of league depth and the number of teams allowed to qualify, the Philadelphia Phillies are still battling to maintain a foothold in the race.
They currently reside as seventh out of eight National League teams being let in the playoff doors this fall, only a few games ahead of the Colorado Rockies and Milwaukee Brewers — both capable playoff teams. The Gabe Kapler-led San Francisco Giants currently hold the eighth and final National League postseason spot.
And, aside from the bigger names on the 2020 Phillies roster, there is still reason for hope over their last 14 games — despite them losing five of seven to the Miami Marlins — thanks to these three players.
JoJo Romero
JoJo Romero has been a hot name among Phillies fans since his call-up from the 60-man player pool. It’s the hair, the energy he brings on the mound for every outing, and the encouraging results for Jojo thus far.
Romero has struck out eight in 7 1/3 innings of work, showcasing mid-90s heat with multiple secondary offerings that play to both sides of the plate.
All in a day's work for #Phillies No. 15 prospect JoJo Romero.pic.twitter.com/UbmLLUVBh2
— Minor League Baseball (@MiLB) September 1, 2020
Opponents are only hitting .214 in the small sample size; as play continues to build in importance, his stuff will live up to the potential.
Left-handed bullpen help has been one of a few Achilles heels for the Phils, but Romero seems to have a grasp on what it takes to be at least an above-average bullpen arm. He did come through the system in part as a starter, so if a spot start needs to be made, the Phillies wouldn’t hurt to see what he can do over more than an inning at a time.
Alec Bohm
The stats are undeniably impressive for Alec Bohm, who continued to show his light-tower power stroke in a recent loss to the Marlins, launching an absolute missile to right-center.
Bohm’s ability to work away helps his chances against left-handed pitchers, who favor pitches that work away from righties. The defensive issues are a limited concern, but if Bohm even marginally improves, it only helps the rest of his tools.
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Scott Kingery does deserve another chance to produce in the lineup on an everyday basis, so if the Phillies are looking for a better defender come playoff time, Bohm becomes a DH option. And Bohm focusing solely on hitting could be dangerous for opposing teams.
While Bohm went 0-for-4 with a strikeout in Monday’s loss, he still is slashing an impressive .318/.369/.482 as a rookie.
Zach Eflin
We’ve seen instances from greatness from Zach Eflin, and justifiably so. Mid-90s fastball, hard sinker, slider, and a rapidly progressing curveball that could prove to be key in Eflin’s career.
Eflin’s ERA still exceeds five this season, but he’s likely the best chance the Phillies have at establishing an effective third arm in the playoff rotation.
Zach Eflin, Wicked 3 Pitch K Sequence (all sinkers). 🤢 pic.twitter.com/5B3X6hNPvm
— Rob Friedman (@PitchingNinja) September 8, 2020
It seems as though his prowess as a strike-thrower is hurting Eflin. When he has feel for the curve and can work black rather than the middle third of the plate, Eflin has the stuff to miss bats, as evidenced by the seven-inning, one-run performance against the Braves on August 29.
If Eflin can make the appropriate tweaks, he becomes an important factor in the Phillies pitching staff in the final weeks.
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