Philadelphia Phillies 2021 player grades: Starting rotation
By Bryce Turner
Philadelphia Phillies RHP Vince Velasquez
Vince Velasquez appeared in 21 games (17 starts) with the Phillies, before being placed on the IL in early August and being released by the team in mid-September. His first stretch of starts looked really good, where he had a 2.84 ERA and 28 strikeouts in 25 1/3 innings, across five games.
Velasquez won his next start, pitching six shutout innings against the Miami Marlins, before giving up 19 runs (18 earned) in 20 1/3 innings, across his following five starts. He pitched seven shutout innings against the Marlins in late June, before giving up 24 runs in his final 17 2/3 innings as a Phillie. With this many runs surrendered, it’s no surprise that the Phillies parted ways with their former trade acquisition.
2021 grade: D+
Philadelphia Phillies RHP Spencer Howard
One of the Phillies’ top prospects in recent years, Spencer Howard, spent the first half of 2021 between the majors, alternate training site and minor leagues, while appearing as both a reliever and starter for Philadelphia.
Howard pitched no longer than four innings in a start and appeared to be more effective earlier in outings. Opponents slashed .107/.206/.125 against him in the first time through the order, compared to .458/.576/.958 in the second time through. His strikeout to walk ratio also dropped between first and second time through the order, from 2.67 to 0.67.
Overall, Howard recorded a 4.84 ERA, 1.299 WHIP and 20 strikeouts in 22 1/3 innings, through seven starts with the Phillies. He showed potential with the team, but was dealt to the Rangers as part of the Gibson deadline trade.
2021 grade: C
Philadelphia Phillies RHP Chase Anderson
Chase Anderson was signed to a one-year deal, with potential to fill a spot at the back of the rotation, but was limited to 14 games (nine starts), with 20 days on the COVID-19 injured list and a stint on the 10-day IL, with a triceps injury. He was released by the Phillies at the end of August.
Anderson had a 2-4 record, 6.94 ERA, 1.541 WHIP and 27 strikeouts in 36 1/3 innings as a starter this season. He gave up at least two runs in all but one start, while going no longer than five innings in a game, which he did on just three occasions. The sample size was small, but Anderson did not look good.