Phillies: Rotation’s motivations or mysteries
By Tal Venada
One of each:
While Pivetta got another performance-based shot to stick with the Phillies rotation, Eickhoff has had three consecutive unacceptable outings: 0-1 with a 9.75 ERA for 12 frames. And a continuation will lead to a demotion to fix his mechanics if he can’t do it in the majors. Ergo, a short leash!
Regarding Irvin, a portsider to offset the right-heavy starting staff was one reason to burn a 40-man spot. Basically, he’s a long shot, especially if he faces offensively built teams. And, so, the red pinstripes will need a lefty to battle those organizations in October.
As for Triple-A, Drew Anderson had a solid start in his MiLB return and was handling relief duty here due to five relievers on the IL: David Robertson, Tommy Hunter, Pat Neshek, Victor Arano and Edubray Ramos. Realistically, the Fightins can only afford to be without three of them.
Between now and July 1, Klentak will get some pitching answers he likes. Moreover, the decision-maker needs a two- or-three-slot stater by the trading deadline, and the glaring weakness is a left-hander. Does the GM wait to make a July deal or sign a free agent in early June?
Management’s pressure to win and meet expectations is increasing. Occasionally, though, it reveals itself like Velasquez’s last start. Rejecting two of J.T. Realmuto‘s calls, the fireballer coughed up two homers for three of his four runs allowed to the St. Louis Cardinals: Kapler and Realmuto weren’t happy.