Call to the pen
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Phillies’ rotation battle heats up

By Tal Venada

CLEARWATER, FL - MARCH 13: Phillies Manager Gabe Kapler meets with the umpires at home plate before the spring training game between the Tampa Bay Rays and the Philadelphia Phillies on March 13, 2018, at Spectrum Field in Clearwater, FL. (Photo by Cliff Welch/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
CLEARWATER, FL - MARCH 13: Phillies Manager Gabe Kapler meets with the umpires at home plate before the spring training game between the Tampa Bay Rays and the Philadelphia Phillies on March 13, 2018, at Spectrum Field in Clearwater, FL. (Photo by Cliff Welch/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /
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Many writers and fans discounted Eflin’s chances to win even one of two spots. Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images. /

Other considerations:

As for Eshelman, his accuracy is better than 70 percent: the MLB average. Translation: 75 percent is a mid-rotation arm even without a 93-mph fastball. Unfortunately, he doesn’t have a 40-man spot either and won’t unless Klentak cuts somebody.

Like Kingery, Eshelman will probably open the campaign with the Triple-A Lehigh Valley IronPigs. Meanwhile, the front office will evaluate the four Triple-A relievers on the 40-man roster during that time. Yes, the premium is on pitching.

The breadcrumbs from Kranitz are clear: Eshelman has been relieving most of the time, but his workload is increasing. His last bullpen performance was one out short of five scoreless innings. And although he’ll probably be with Lehigh Valley, management could evaluate him here for two more outings.

Regarding the three hurlers in the mix, March’s competition isn’t like last year’s between Velasquez and Adam Morgan. Velasquez won the slot because of his electric repertoire and by not pitching poorly. In other words, Pivetta only needs a tie to capture a spot.

"APPLIES HERE: “The only thing that should surprise us is that there are still some things that can surprise us.” – Francois de La Rochefoucauld"

The end of camp is the beginning of regular-season lineups: tougher outs. As for Pivetta, Lively and Eflin, who would slot fourth in the rotation today? Eflin!

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