Phillies: Odd man out’s role in the rotation’s 2nd half

PHILADELPHIA, PA - APRIL 28: Pitcher Zach Eflin #56 of the Philadelphia Phillies is congratulated by catcher Andrew Knapp #15 after pitching a complete game 5-1 win over the Miami Marlins during a game at Citizens Bank Park on April 28, 2019 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Rich Schultz/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA - APRIL 28: Pitcher Zach Eflin #56 of the Philadelphia Phillies is congratulated by catcher Andrew Knapp #15 after pitching a complete game 5-1 win over the Miami Marlins during a game at Citizens Bank Park on April 28, 2019 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Rich Schultz/Getty Images)
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Based on his first-half, Bumgarner’s value will rise or fall. Photo by J. Sargent/Getty Images.

Temporary options:         

In July, the sought-after rotation southpaw will be Bumgarner, and the Phillies will not be lacking competition from playoff-bound contenders. Plus the last two months of his $12 million pact will be only $4 million. However, the San Francisco Giants will be negotiating for the best prospect package.

Bumgarner has had six of seven decent appearances for an 85.7 percent mark (80 percent goal). Regarding his pitches, his four-seam fastball averages 91.3 mph with a high of 93.5 mph, and he hurls it 39.4 percent of the time. The balance of 60.6 percent involves his cutter, curveball and changeup.

Even though he isn’t the ace of 2016, he could certainly slot between Aaron Nola and Arrieta. Or the red pinstripes could pursue the left-hander in the offseason because he’ll be a free agent. Nevertheless, Klentak will have a complete ’19 of Eflin, Velasquez, Eickhoff and Pivetta to decide the starting staff’s needs.

Possible mid-season acquisitions (through May 6):

Bumgarner, 29.5:

  • 2019: 7 Gms., 43 2/3 Inn., 1-4, a 3.92 ERA, a 0.8 fWAR and a 1.10 WHIP.
  • 2018: 21 Gms., 129 2/3 Inn., 6-7, a 3.26 ERA, a 1.4 fWAR and a 1.24 WHIP.

Hamels, 35:

  • 2019: 7 Gms., 42 2/3 Inn., 3-0, a 3.38 ERA, a 0.8 fWAR and a 1.17 WHIP.
  • 2018: 32 Gms., 190 2/3 Inn., 9-12, a 3.78 ERA, a 2.2 fWAR and a 1.26 WHIP.

While Hamels would be the fan favorite to rejoin the good guys, he isn’t 2015’s Hamels. although he still has something in the tank. Financially, he’ll have roughly $7 million remaining on his contract’s final weeks. But will the Chicago Cubs be deadline sellers? Not a good bet!

Hamels fires his four-seam fastball at a 39.5 percent clip, and the other 60.5 percent involves his cutter, changeup and curveball. As for his heater, his midpoint is 92 mph and he tops out at 94.1 mph. Effective-wise, Hamels has six decent performances out of seven for 85.7 percent.