That Balls Outta Here
FanSided

5 most legendary Phillies relief pitchers of all time

By Gabrielle Starr

Relief pitcher Tug McGraw #45 of the Philadelphia Phillies (Photo by Rich Pilling/MLB Photos via Getty Images)
Relief pitcher Tug McGraw #45 of the Philadelphia Phillies (Photo by Rich Pilling/MLB Photos via Getty Images) /
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PHILADELPHIA, PA – MAY 13: Jonathan Papelbon #58 of the Philadelphia Phillies in action against the Pittsburgh Pirates during the third inning of a game at Citizens Bank Park on May 13, 2015 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Rich Schultz/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA – MAY 13: Jonathan Papelbon #58 of the Philadelphia Phillies in action against the Pittsburgh Pirates during the third inning of a game at Citizens Bank Park on May 13, 2015 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Rich Schultz/Getty Images) /

2. Jonathan Papelbon

If we’re being honest, Jonathan Papelbon is probably best remembered for his Red Sox career. However, as the Phillies’ all-time saves leader, he ranks high on our list.

The Phillies signed Papelbon as a free agent after a successful stint with the Red Sox that included four consecutive All-Star elections and a 2007 World Series ring. He impressed immediately in his first season in Philadelphia, once again having an All-Star season in 2012, and leading the NL in games finished, setting a career-high of 64. He also set new career-bests in strikeouts (92) and innings pitched (70).

Papelbon’s 123 saves as the Phillies’ closer leads the franchise by a significant margin, and he’s one of only five Phillies closers with 100+ saves. His 204 Phillies games finished is fifth all-time, and his 8.8 Win Probability Added is seventh all-time, higher than any other reliever on this list.

Unlike Brad Lidge, Papelbon never pitched in the postseason for the Phillies, as he joined the team the year after their most recent postseason berth.

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