Call to the pen
Fansided

Phillies: Rebuilding 2020’s pen from the ashes

By Tal Venada

PHILADELPHIA, PA - JUNE 22: Philadelphia Phillies Bench Coach Rob Thomson (59) makes a pitching change during the seventh inning of the game between the Miami Marlins and the Philadelphia Phillies on June 22. 2019, at Citizens Bank Park, Philadelphia PA. (Photo by Gregory Fisher/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA - JUNE 22: Philadelphia Phillies Bench Coach Rob Thomson (59) makes a pitching change during the seventh inning of the game between the Miami Marlins and the Philadelphia Phillies on June 22. 2019, at Citizens Bank Park, Philadelphia PA. (Photo by Gregory Fisher/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /
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If Dominguez pitches in 2020, he could pair with Neris in the late innings. Photo by Alex Trautwig/MLB via Getty Images. /

Ifs or ands:

If the 2020 Phillies pick up two relievers plus 2019’s five moundsmen, three healthy and two healed, they will have one bullpen seat remaining. And four possibilities are competing for that role: Dominguez, Nick Pivetta, Vince Velasquez and Edubray Ramos. The 13th pitcher?

If Dominguez is healthy, he could have save chances with Neris and an offseason-added fireman. Unfortunately, Dominguez didn’t meet fans’ expectations because of his early dominance in ’18: a problematic contrast, no? But when the league caught up to him, they exposed the holes in his development.

Concerning his success rate, the young flamethrower produced 20 acceptable outings out of 27 for 74.1 percent. However, he only has a little over a year’s experience. But if he realizes his potential, he could be 2021’s top arm in the pen.

Besides depending on the health of Arano and Dominguez, Klentak also has Pivetta as a possibility for the relief corps. In fact, this may be his ticket for an MLB career if he can be more consistent. He had 11 good performances and one so-so effort out of 17: 70.6 percent. So, he’s not a long shot to improve.

As for Velasquez, he only had 10 opportunities with eight acceptable outings: 80 percent. But if the Phils spend heavily for only one starter to pair with Nola, Velasquez could be the rotation’s fifth hurler. Or Klentak could sign a two-slot arm and a five as well.

Lastly, Ramos had a solid 2018 with a 2.32 ERA for 42 2/3 innings over 60 appearances. In ’19, though, he had 10 good and two so-so efforts out of 20 for 60 percent. Was ’18 a fluke, or will he need to add a pitch to his arsenal as an adjustment to the competition?

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