Philadelphia Phillies pitching issues may short circuit season

The Philadelphia Phillies were on track to win 10 more games than last season. But, injuries to the starting pitching staff threaten the team’s ability to finish the current campaign as hoped.

Consistently effective pitching performances allowed the Philadelphia Phillies to overcome its weak offense earlier this season. By May 24, the team’s record stood at a surprising 24-17 (.585 winning percentage). But, manager Pete Mackanin‘s squad has gone 29-46 (.387) since then, due in part to the efforts of inefficient mound men. Now, as a series of injuries have beset the starting staff, it seems likely that the final two months of the season could prove to be a hard slog.

Charlie Morton was put on the disabled list on April 24. The former Pittsburgh Pirates starter was one of two veteran arms general manager Matt Klentak added in the offseason via trades. Like Jeremy Hellickson, Morton was acquired to help balance a starting staff that was projected to include Aaron Nola, Jerad Eickhoff and Vincent Velasquez. Morton’s loss resulted in Adam Morgan becoming the team’s fifth starter after he was promoted from Triple-A on April 29.

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Morgan started 12 games, was briefly sent to the bullpen and then demoted to Lehigh Valley on July 8. His 14 appearance, major league line this season showed shows a 1.598 WHIP, 6.65 ERA and 1-7 record. The Phillies’ third-round 2011 draft pick has pitched well since returning to minors and could be issued big league meal money again due to Philadelphia’s current injury issues. Zach Eflin, who was added to the staff after Morgan, subsequently made his major league debut on June 16.

Nola was placed on the disabled list August 3. His right elbow strain appeared to explain the unusually poor performances he’d been delivering within the last month. His sophomore season pales when compared to his rookie year. He started 13 games, produced 1.197 WHIP and 3.59 ERA in 2015. Through 20 games this year, he’s carved worse marks, including a 1.306 WHIP and 4.78 ERA. Former Texas Rangers’ farmhand Phil Klein, who the Phillies selected off waivers on June 19, took Nola’s spot for one game before being sent back to Lehigh Valley. He was subsequently replaced by rookie Jake Thompson, who was part of the package obtained in the Cole Hamels‘ trade with Texas last season.

Now, this week, Eflin was placed on the disabled list. He had made 11 starts, posting a 1.326 WHIP and a 5.54 ERA. And, Hellickson, who started 24 games this season, posting a 1.140 WHIP and a 3.65 ERA to-date, had to leave his most recent start due to back stiffness. Whether that issues results in any lost time remains to be seen.

The starting pitchers who were lost during this season didn’t perform exceptionally well as a collective unit. But, the men who have replaced them haven’t been great. Also, the available options to fill in the gaps for the remainder of this season, barring any trade additions, aren’t overly promising outside of Ben Lively in Triple-A.

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Plus, Velasquez is working on an innings’ count and will be shut down before season’s end. Eickhoff is also being monitored, as he’s also pitching through his first full big league season. All these factors likely mean that the Phillies will play closer to its .387 winning percentage that’s been generated since May 24, than the .585 mark achieved through that date. As with most points in baseball, starting pitching strength telegraphs potential success, or failure.