Call to the pen
Fansided

The Phillies’ 26th Man

By Tal Venada

Jun 3, 2017; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Phillies starting pitcher Ben Lively (49) is doused with ice by first baseman Tommy Joseph (19) after a victory against the San Francisco Giants in his first MLB start at Citizens Bank Park. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 3, 2017; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Phillies starting pitcher Ben Lively (49) is doused with ice by first baseman Tommy Joseph (19) after a victory against the San Francisco Giants in his first MLB start at Citizens Bank Park. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports /
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In a Game of Firsts, Lively Got His First Hit. Photo by Bill Streicher – USA TODAY Sports.
In a Game of Firsts, Lively Got His First Hit. Photo by Bill Streicher – USA TODAY Sports. /

Even though Ben Lively and Nick Pivetta have temporarily filled two spots, another option is Thomas Eshelman. Yes, his numbers have improved from the Double-A Reading Fightin Phils to Lehigh Valley. However, he hasn’t been at either level long enough for hitters to catch up to him. And when they do, his statistics will represent his ability and progression.

Eshelman’s stats:

  • Double-A: 5 gms, 29 inn., 3-0 and a 3.10 ERA.
  • Triple-A: 5 gms, 38 2/3 inn., 3-0 and a 1.40 ERA.
  • Double-A outings by innings pitched: 4 2/3, 5 1/3, 6, 6 and 7.
  • Triple-A outings by innings pitched: 8, 7, 8, 6 2/3 and 9.

During a coaches’ meeting right before the series with the San Francisco Giants, one coach pointed out how the Cincinnati Reds and Miami Marlins saw the Phillies as a team they should beat. Their hurlers – the coach continued – look at Maikel Franco and Odubel Herrera and see outs. And as they cruise through the frames – the pitching coach added – their confidence increases until the appearance ends with congratulations from their teammates. Meanwhile, the hitting coach stated our dugout is a “morgue”.

As the powwow proceeded to Eickhoff and Nola, their coach voiced his belief that opposing batters anticipate putting crooked numbers on the scoreboard. They either accept a free pass or wait for a mistake to get a knock. And after they win the first game, they can smell a series victory or even a sweep. Yes, they know – the bench coach agreed – and they expect to beat us.

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