Phillies: In-depth rotation strategy for April and July
By Tal Venada
Tomorrow’s candidates:
While the Phillies need a rotation southpaw, they must also develop four hurlers who haven’t eliminated themselves from the picture. A player –according to a retired GM from another organization– makes an impact in or after his third year: 30 starts equal one season. But winning now is a new factor!
Phillies starts at 2018’s end:
- Nola at 93 for 3 campaigns of development.
- Velasquez at 76 for 2.5.
- Eickhoff at 66 for 2.
- Pivetta at 58 for 2.
- Eflin at 46 for 1.5.
Atop the list, Zach Eflin has a clear path to slotting third behind Nola and Arrieta. Plus he’ll be ready for his first appearance of ’19 after completing his fifth scheduled outing on March 23. Presently, he’s the closest of the four to making an impact this summer.
When camp opened, the Fightins envisioned Velasquez in the four slot despite limiting his spring workload. For now, though, the Phils could go with a four-man staff until April 8 or 9. Ergo, Velasquez and Eickhoff can build up their arm strength in Clearwater for an additional two weeks.
Even though Eickhoff’s progressing at a slower pace, his usage indicates the locals are considering him for the bottom rotation rung. Translation: The red pinstripes believe he’ll return to 2016’s form. However, the right-hander has the luxury of an extra two weeks due to the off days in April’s schedule.
The odd man out in mid-February was Nick Pivetta due to finishing ’18 with four bad months (3-11, 5.60 ERA) after a fantastic April and May (4-3, 3.26 ERA). Also, he worked in relief until March 15 and started because Velasquez and Eickhoff weren’t ready. But he earned that opportunity with decent performances.