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Philadelphia Phillies: Rotation Puzzle Unpacked

By Tal Venada

If Thompson Dominates at Triple-A Again, He'll Be a Call-Up in the Second Half. Photo by Tommy Gilligan - USA TODAY Sports.
If Thompson Dominates at Triple-A Again, He'll Be a Call-Up in the Second Half. Photo by Tommy Gilligan - USA TODAY Sports. /
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When Players Join a New Team, They Relish Having an Excellent First Season, and Fans Would Welcome That from Buchholz. Photo by Tommy Gilligan – USA TODAY Sports.
When Players Join a New Team, They Relish Having an Excellent First Season, and Fans Would Welcome That from Buchholz. Photo by Tommy Gilligan – USA TODAY Sports. /

Even though stretch-drive deals happen in July, the new CBA (collective bargaining agreement) has changed the compensation for signed free agents who turned down a QO (qualifying offer). In other words, the Philadelphia Phillies will receive much less for Buchholz and no draft pick for Hellickson, which means moving them before August.

With the possible availability of two rotation slots in the second half, hurlers know their performance will decide promotions. Zach Eflin, Jake Thompson, Alec Asher, Ben Lively, Mark Appel, Adam Morgan and Nick Pivetta will begin the MiLB season on even footing, like teams on Opening Day. However, some have earned more consideration after their time in the majors: They will only have the advantage in a tie.

Highlights:

  • Buchholz’s last starts: 7 Gms., 34 1/3 Inn., 2-1 and a 2.36 ERA after his first start back in the rotation.
  • Eflin: 7 Gms., 47 2/3 Inn., 3-2 and a 2.08 ERA after his first MLB start and before his three injury-related outings.
  • Thompson’s last outings: 6 Gms., 34 1/3 Inn., 2-3 and a 3.41 ERA.
  • Asher: 5 Gms., 27 2/3 Inn., 2-1 and a 2.28 ERA.
  • Morgan’s second stint: 8 Gms., 42 Inn., 1-3 with a 3.86 ERA before his last appearance.

Triple-A Highlights:

  • Appel: 4 Gms., 22 Inn., 3-0 and a 1.64 ERA before his injury-related appearances.
  • Piveta: 5 Gms., 24 2/3 Inn., 1-2 and a 2.55 ERA.
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