4 pitchers Dombrowski says could provide valuable depth to Phillies rotation in 2024

Dylan Covey

Dylan Covey is a guy who is already well known to Philadelphia Phillies fans. Claimed off waivers from the Los Angeles Dodgers in May of this past season, the 32-year-old Covey carved out a decent role for himself in the Phillies bullpen over the course of the year. Can we expect more out of Covey in 2024?

In 28 appearances (one start) for the Phillies in 2023, Covey posted a decent ERA of 3.69, a number that stands out considering he has a career ERA of 6.18 over 100 appearances during his five-year MLB career. Used primarily as a starter earlier in his career, it's possible middle relief might be a role that Covey could thrive in going forward.

Likely penciled in for similar work for the Phillies next season, it wouldn't be surprising to see Covey stretched out as a starter during Spring Training. As a season goes on, having spot starters and guys that can protect the bullpen during tough games has its value, and that's the type of pitcher Covey projects to be at this stage of his MLB career following stints with the Chicago White Sox, Boston Red Sox, Los Angeles Dodgers, and two seasons (2021-2022) pitching in China for the Rakuten Monkeys.

Covey has an unispiring career record of 7 wins and 32 losses. so this would be the classic break glass in case of emergency starter the Phillies might need if injuries pile up during the 2024 season.

Let's hope that doesn't happen.