Phillies: Rebuilding 2020’s pen from the ashes

Counting heads:       

Whether the Phillies acquire one top fireman or two solid relievers, they will need at least six pitchers from 2019’s pen. And keep in mind, having a designated closer may not be management’s plan. Basically, injuries forced Neris into that role, but he will have save chances in ’20 as well. And so will others!

Relief-wise, baseball men prefer four good outings out of five or 80 percent, but 75 percent is acceptable. As for Neris, he had 68 opportunities and was decent at a 77.9 percent rate. He had 50 solid performances and three so-so efforts. In fact, he only had two blowups in ’19, but can you name those two?

While the IL (injured list) grew from April through season’s end, Alvarez was healthy and effective. He had acceptable outcomes in 51 of 67 contests for 76.1 percent. That stated, he was a good trade for Klentak but was under many fans’ radar due to his workmanlike approach.

Because he was a bright spot in ’19, Suarez earned a relief-corps slot and, perhaps, higher leverage situations for his sophomore year. He only had six bad outings out of 37 and was effective in 83.8 percent of his chances. Unfortunately, some hard-to-please supporters may have missed his contribution.

Regarding Morgan, he produced an effective rate of 90 percent. However, three of four poor results were blowups, and the faithful usually sour on those. But he had 34 solid performances and two so-so appearances.

Despite only three 2019 ballgames, Arano should return for spring training after having elbow surgery (called a scope) to correct his recurring inflammation problem. But the red pinstripes had counted on a repeat of his 2018 success: a 2.73 ERA and three saves for 59 1/3 frames over 60 appearances.