There were questions surrounding the Philadelphia Phillies’ bullpen heading into the 2025 season after losing Carlos Estévez and All-Star Jeff Hoffman in free agency. Those doubts have come to fruition through the team’s first 24 games.
Former Toronto Blue Jays two-time All-Star closer Jordan Romano was brought in during the offseason to take over a late-inning, high-leverage role, but has had a forgettable start to his Phillies career. Not only has Romano struggled, but the entire bullpen has underperformed on a team with championship aspirations.
These harrowing numbers make Phillies’ bullpen woes look even worse
Heading into Wednesday’s game against the New York Mets, the Phillies’ bullpen is tied for the fifth-fewest innings pitched (77.1) and has the second-worst ERA (5.70). The group has one of the highest batting averages against (.275) in the majors.
With how good the Phillies’ starting rotation is, the bullpen hasn’t had to be utilized as much as other teams. The starters collectively have the second-most innings pitched (135 2/3) and the ninth-best ERA (3.65). The woes begin when manager Rob Thomson makes a call to the bullpen.
The Phillies have allowed the most hits (76) and the third-most earned runs (43) and home runs (11) in the seventh inning or later. The fans and maybe even the coaching staff have begun to lose faith in the bullpen.
The most recent bullpen debacle came against the Miami Marlins on April 19. The struggling Romano entered the game in the top of the ninth inning with an 11-4 lead, but that quickly went away. The veteran allowed six hits and six runs in 2/3 innings, including a three-run and a two-run home run, making it an 11-10 game. José Alvarado replaced him to record the final out and avoid an embarrassing loss.
Romano has a 13.50 ERA in 8 2/3 innings pitched, Carlos Hernández has a 7.88 ERA in eight innings pitched, Joe Ross has a 5.68 ERA in 12 2/3 innings pitched and José Ruiz has a 6.75 ERA in eight innings pitched. The team can’t just rely on Matt Strahm, Orion Kerkering, Tanner Banks and Alvarado every game.
Alvarado is a perfect five-for-five in save opportunities this season, but the rest of the bullpen is two-for-eight. Kerkering and Ross have both failed to record a save in two opportunities each.
It hasn’t been pretty when the Phillies turn to their bullpen. The fans are growing frustrated, and something needs to change before it’s too late.