Lucas Erceg
The Kansas City Royals acquired reliever Lucas Erceg from the Oakland Athletics on July 30. Entering Kansas City's scheduled contest versus the Phillies on Aug. 23, the right-hander had allowed zero runs in nine appearances with the franchise.
Erceg has successfully converted all three of his save appearances and has 14 punch outs with the Royals. He has allowed zero home runs and surrendered no walks. Greg Jewell of The Athletic wrote that the 29-year-old is fifth among relievers in holds (subscription required), with seven, during the second half of the regular season through Aug. 21.
According to Jewell, Erceg ranks second in WAR among relievers since pitching for the Royals. He has allowed only four hits and has a 0.39 WHIP. He leads all relievers with 11 "solds" — a combination of saves and holds — in the second half through Aug. 21.
The Phillies relievers who have pitched with the club for most of the regular season have not done well over the last 30 days. Jeff Hoffman has a 5.56 ERA and has surrendered 13 hits, seven earned runs, and three home runs in 11 1/3 innings over 12 appearances.
Manager Rob Thomson should no longer put José Alvarado in high-leverage situations. The left-hander has been too unreliable since July. He has a 5.40 ERA and has allowed six earned runs, nine hits, three home runs, and seven walks in 10 innings over his last 11 games.
Orion Kerkering has exhibited struggles as well. The native of Huntington Beach, California has a 4.76 ERA in 11 1/3 innings during his last 12 contests. He has surrendered 12 hits, six earned runs, two home runs, and six walks.
Erceg's performance over the last few weeks is another example of the Phillies' president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski and general manager Sam Fuld missing out on an opportunity to add a reliever who is pitching well.