Phillies: Picking up the bullpen pieces for 2020
By Tal Venada
Returning hurlers:
According to the Phillies, they expect four acceptable outings out of every five and have expressed this specific requirement during multiple television interviews. But some fans focus instead on failure!
Of the trio for critical-inning situations, only Neris is still there to defend any advantage. And although a bad performance is frustrating, it amounts to Neris allowing a run due to a hanging splitter or his 95-mph heater catching too much of the plate. Currently, he has 46 acceptable outings out of 58: 79.3 percent.
Returning also for 2020, Alvarez has 45 satisfactory appearances out of 58: 77.6 percent. To date, he has a 3.12 ERA and Neris has a 3.09 ERA. The southpaw will be a free agent after the ’20 campaign.
During a second excellent summer out of the last three, Morgan didn’t have a rough appearance until May 4. He’s had 36 decent performances out of 40: 90 percent. However, he had three blowups to balloon his numbers up to a 3.94 ERA.
On the other hand, Robertson and Dominguez (probably) will have TJ surgery, and they’ll miss the entire 162 ahead. Presently, the red pinstripes will likely either sign or trade for a late-frame piece to handle difficult situations with victory in the balance.
Even if Klentak picks up two solid relievers, he must fill three openings in-house. So, Ranger Suarez, J.D. Hammer, Blake Parker, and Jared Hughes will be among the club’s hopefuls along with a handful of non-roster invitees during spring training: The GM is already evaluating these pitchers.