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Phillies: In-depth rotation strategy for April and July

By Tal Venada

CLEARWATER, FL - MARCH 16: Aaron Nola (27) of the Phillies delivers a pitch to the plate during the spring training game between the Houston Astros and the Philadelphia Phillies on March 16, 2019 at the Spectrum Field in Clearwater, Florida. (Photo by Cliff Welch/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
CLEARWATER, FL - MARCH 16: Aaron Nola (27) of the Phillies delivers a pitch to the plate during the spring training game between the Houston Astros and the Philadelphia Phillies on March 16, 2019 at the Spectrum Field in Clearwater, Florida. (Photo by Cliff Welch/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /
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If the Cubs struggle, Hamels could be on the move again in July. Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images. /

Trade deadline:

Because the Phillies are all-in for 2019, the days of extra chances after rebuilding have dwindled down to few and far between. Currently, the team is responsible for an additional $488 million along with fans’ expectations, so what does that mean for those still developing to get playing time? It’s do-or-die!

"FOOD FOR THOUGHT: “I embrace my rival, but only to strangle him.” – Jean Racine"

Based on new MLB rules for ’19, the trading deadline of July 31 will force teams to move veterans without the August option of waiver-related swaps. Franchises, now, can only claim players off the waiver wire or sign ones released after July’s end.

Regarding Eflin, Velasquez, Eickhoff and Pivetta, one Phils’ consideration is carrying a six-man rotation in the second half if all four are successful. And the handling of Velasquez and Eickhoff this spring indicates the good guys will entertain this option if the situation warrants it.

However, Klentak may pick up a rotation portsider to slot between Nola and Arrieta, but such an acquisition may be until campaign’s end. For instance, Madison Bumgarner, 29, will probably be a popular target; and the Chicago Cubs –though unlikely– could trade Cole Hamels, 35, if they are not playoff-bound.

As for Mike Minor, 31, his contract runs through 2020 with the Texas Rangers, but Klentak had interest in him during the offseason. Meanwhile, another possibility from the Arizona Diamondbacks is Robbie Ray, 27, whom the decision-maker also saw as a solution for the left-handed void in his starting staff.

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