José Alvarado ... and the bullpen
The regression monster has come for the Phillies bullpen this month. Every reliever had an ERA over 5.00 heading into Wednesday's matinee tilt against the Yankees — all except Jeff Hoffman who has been untouchable with a 0.00 ERA.
Matt Strahm had a 6.00 ERA, Orion Kerkering had a 4.50 ERA. The now-departed Gregory Soto (5.00) and Seranthony Domínguez (6.48) didn't help. José Ruiz had an 8.31 ERA, while Yunior Marte came in at 9.00.
But José Alvarado was one of the most prominent bullpen arms riding the struggle bus in July, with an 8.31 ERA in 8 2/3 innings. Because of his late-inning role, his struggles have received plenty of attention. It's been so bad that he has been dropped down the depth chart for the time being.
We're singling out Alvarado thanks to his performance in the opening game of the second half against the Pirates. In a game in which Phillies pitching gave up a pair of three-run leads, the pièce de résistance was Alvarado's ninth-inning debacle. The big lefty came out for the save in a 7-6 game but promptly loaded the bases before giving up a fielder's choice and a walk-off single.
It's just one game in a long, 162-game season, but it set the tone for the second half. We're not saying his blown save is the reason why the Phillies have lost nine of 12 since the All-Star break, but getting off on the right foot would have helped give that weekend series in Pittsburgh a much different feel.