Philadelphia Phillies starting pitching rotation alternatives

Because the Phillies have additions behind the plate, in the pen, and to the infield, general manager Matt Klentak recently expressed pride regarding his stretch-drive trades.

Bottom-rung issue:       

For the Philadelphia Phillies, Klentak has addressed the franchise’s needs for more offensive, better catching defense and a lefty specialist. But although the GM did not deal for a closer or a starter, he has other possibilities on the active 25 and the 40-man roster.

IN OTHER WORDS:         “I have a number of alternatives, and each one gives me something different.” – Glenn Hoddle

In the absence of quality starters, many organizations fortify the back end of the bullpen. For instance, the New York Yankees are exhibit A for a loaded relief corps to compensate for their five-man staff. Yes, Klentak is doing the same thing to a lesser degree.

Another way is with a strong defensive receiver to catch hard-to-handle pitches and earn the hurler’s trust. Ergo, the moundsman increases his effectiveness due to his batterymate. As for management, they had this in mind with backstop Wilson Ramos.

Some fans are not happy the front office didn’t acquire Cole Hamels or J.A. Happ, but the clubs picking them up were the Chicago Cubs and the Yankees respectively. In other words, they are where the 2009 Phillies were expectation-wise.

Basically, the available arms were not an upgrade over Zach Eflin or Vince Velasquez. Hamels and Happ were struggling: Hamels had only one so-so outing out of his last five, and Happ needed two good starts for a 5.87 July ERA. No, outbidding wasn’t an option!

For the red pinstripes, only Nick Pivetta, the five-slot hurler, is inconsistent: One bad performance out of five is acceptable. The flamethrower, however, had eight bad outings out of 11 for June and July: 1-6 with a 6.84 ERA as a starter. A liability?

On the other hand, playoff teams need only four starters. But Eflin and Velasquez will be facing the toughest competition and increased pressure with each series. Translation: Adding a veteran with postseason experience for the three slot might be worthwhile for the NLDS and NLCS.

Auditioning:

Despite having a 5.58 ERA with a 2-9 record, right-hander Tom Eshelman has been solid in his last three performances: 1-2 with a 1.96 ERA for 18 1/3 frames. That stated, Klentak has advanced other prospects in a similar situation, and Eshelman has a reputation for control. Yes, the GM could give him a shot.

As for Anderson, he’s 8-3 with a 3.91 ERA, but he’s made a strong showing in his last three starts: 3-0 with a 3.00 ERA for 18 innings. In other words, the flamethrower’s under consideration for the five slot. And since he has received call-ups in 2017 and 2018, he could receive an opportunity.

For his first MLB outing, Suarez demonstrated confidence even though he gave up a pair of two-run homers. Then, he had his first poor start for Lehigh Valley but is still 1-0 with a 2.70 ERA for four performances over 20 frames. On the other hand, being a portsider could give him a slight advantage for another shot.

When he made his major league debut, De Los Santos was 9-3 with a 1.89 ERA for the IronPigs, but he is now 9-4 with a 2.51 ERA after his last two appearances. He could get another chance if Pivetta joins the pen or the Allentown affiliate. In either case, Kapler will probably hand De Los Santos the ball.

FOOD FOR THOUGHT: “All you have to remember is audition is synonymous with opportunity. I mean, if you absolutely hate auditioning, do you also hate opportunities? That wouldn’t make much sense.” – Hilary Swank

When the Washington Nationals ownership nixed moving veterans like left-hander Gio Gonzalez, they decided to make a run at the division crown. Meanwhile, Atlanta is only a half game back and each start is critical. And what does that make Pivetta? The weakest link!

The Numerical Bible:

This review is not a sabermetrics article, which means no heavy statistical analysis. But because some readers rely on stats, this is only a reference: no reason to articulate the importance of these numbers.

Goal of 80 percent (through Aug. 3):

Phillies starters:

• Eflin: 8 good and 1 so-so of 14 total for 64.3%
• Velasquez: 15 good and 2 so-so of 21 total for 81.0%
• Pivetta: 12 good and 0 so-so of 22 total for 54.6%
• De Los Santos: 1 good and 0 so-so of 2 total for 50.0%
• Anderson: 0 good and 0 so-so of 1 total for 00.0%
• Suarez: 0 good and 0 so-so of 1 total for 00.0%
• Lively: 2 good and 0 so-so of 5 total for 50.0%

IronPigs starters:

• De Los Santos: 14 good and 1 so-so of 18 total for 83.3%
• Anderson: 9 good and 2 so-so of 14 total for 78.6%
• Suarez: 2 good and 1 so-so of 4 total for 75.0%
• Irvin: 13 good and 4 so-so of 20 total for 85.0%
• Eshelman: 8 good and 4 so-so of 21 total for 57.1%
• Lively: 7 good and 1 so-so of 8 total for 100.0%

Fightin Phils starters:

• Suarez: 10 good and 1 so-so of 12 total for 91.7%

Stats through Aug. 3:

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Phillies starters:

• Eflin, 24: 14 Gms., 76 2/3 Inn., 7-3, a 3.64 ERA, a 3.77 FIP, a 4.05 xFIP, a 3.93 SIERA, a 1.5 fWAR and a 1.17 WHIP.
• Velasquez, 26: 22 Gms. (1 relief), 113 2/3 Inn., 8-8, a 3.80 ERA, a 3.60 FIP, a 3.84 xFIP, a 3.82 SIERA, a 2.1 fWAR and a 1.24 WHIP.
• Pivetta, 25.5: 23 Gms. (1 relief), 113 2/3 Inn., 6-9, a 4.75 ERA, a 3.58 FIP, a 3.22 xFIP, a 3.23 SIERA, a 2.3 fWAR and a 1.29 WHIP.

De Los Santos, 22.5:

• Phillies: 2 Gms., 10 2/3 Inn., 1-0, a 6.75 ERA, a 5.51 FIP, a 4.93 xFIP, a 4.86 SIERA, a 0.0 fWAR and a 1.50 WHIP.
• AAA: 18 Gms., 104 Inn., 9-4, a 2.51 ERA, a 4.02 FIP, a 3.91 xFIP and a 1.16 WHIP.

Anderson, 24:

• Phillies: 2 Gms. (1 relief), 6 Inn., 0-1, a 6.00 ERA, a 2.34 FIP, a 4.26 xFIP, a 4.46 SIERA, a 0.2 fWAR and a 1.50 WHIP.
• AAA: 14 Gms., 76 Inn., 8-3, a 3.91 ERA, a 4.68 FIP, a 4.17 xFIP and a 1.16 WHIP.

Suarez, almost 23:

• Phillies: 1 Gm., 5 Inn., 1-0, a 7.20 ERA, a 7.77 FIP, a 4.88 xFIP, a 4.91 SIERA, a -0.1 fWAR and a 1.40 WHIP.
• AAA: 4 Gms., 20 Inn., 1-0, a 2.70 ERA, a 3.80 FIP, a 4.31 xFIP and a 1.50 WHIP.
• AA: 12 Gms., 75 Inn., 4-3, a 2.76 ERA, a 3.12 FIP, a 3.76 xFIP and a 1.12 WHIP.

Lively, 26:

• Phillies: 5 Gms., 23 2/3 Inn., 0-2, a 6.85 ERA, a 5.16 FIP, a 5.19 xFIP, a 4.77 SIERA, a 0.1 fWAR and a 1.86 WHIP.
• AAA: 8 Gms., 48 Inn., 2-2, a 2.44 ERA, a 3.36 FIP, a 3.69 xFIP and a 1.02 WHIP.

IronPigs starters:

• Eshelman, 24: 21 Gms., 108 Inn., 2-9, a 5.58 ERA, a 4.74 FIP, a 4.23 xFIP and a 1.71 WHIP.
• Irvin, 24.5: 21 Gms., 130 Inn., 10-3, a 2.77 ERA, a 3.32 FIP, a 3.43 xFIP and a 1.08 WHIP.

If you have any questions or opinions regarding Philadelphia Phillies players, please open the comments section.