4 emergency options for the fifth starter spot if Sánchez falters in spring training

Kolby Allard

Finally we turn to Kolby Allard, who, like Turnbull, was recently signed by the Phillies. The deal is worth a basic $1 million, with up to another $250,000 available in bonuses.

Of the four players in this article, Allard has the advantage of being the only left-handed pitcher. He was brought in to add rotation depth, but the question is if he can actually deliver if asked to step up?

At one time the 26-year-old was considered one of the top prospects in the game. He was selected 14th overall in the 2015 Draft by the Atlanta Braves, leading to plenty of expectations both within and outside of the organization.

However, it's fair to characterize Allard's time in the majors as underwhelming up to this point. In six seasons, he has produced a combined 6.10 ERA, 5.31 FIP and 1.433 WHIP with the Braves and Texas Rangers.

In theory at least, the Anaheim, California native still has the talent to succeed. He has good location, and even though he doesn't possess the best fastball in the world, his curveball and changeup are both excellent.

Allard has only made 69 appearances so far in the majors, including just 38 starts. This comes down to a lack of consistency, combined with several injury problems.

In respect of the latter issue specifically, the southpaw endured more setbacks during a particularly frustrating 2023 campaign. This included beginning the season on the 60-day injured list with an olbique strain and finishing the year again on the 60-day injured list, this time with nerve inflammation in his left shoulder.

Allard was limited to just four games — which included three starts — his fewest since he made three appearances during his rookie year. He produced a poor 6.57 ERA and 1.622 WHIP in 12 1/3 innings.

Maybe, just maybe, there is some minor encouragement in Allard's 4.23 FIP and career-best 23.2 percent strikeout. However, we appreciate this is extremely tenuous when taking into account the small sample size.

Looking ahead to this season, Allard will of course be doing his best to prove he is capable of stepping in and starting if and when required. Ultimately though, his most important task is to prove he can stay healthy and be a reliable option for the Phillies no matter how they use him.