Rookies:
In September, the 1980 Phillies had advanced Bystrom due to a rotation injury, and he promptly went 5-0 with a 1.50 ERA: his career’s high point. And although he had flashes of brilliance in following seasons, the faithful who had rooted for those red pinstripes will never forget his contribution.
More from Call to the Pen
- Philadelphia Phillies, ready for a stretch run, bomb St. Louis Cardinals
- Philadelphia Phillies: The 4 players on the franchise’s Mount Rushmore
- Boston Red Sox fans should be upset over Mookie Betts’ comment
- Analyzing the Boston Red Sox trade for Dave Henderson and Spike Owen
- 2023 MLB postseason likely to have a strange look without Yankees, Red Sox, Cardinals
Who could be the Bystrom to come from out of nowhere this September? Well, Spencer Howard is coming along slowly and will have bullets remaining after August according to general manager Matt Klentak. And since the MiLB summer ends in August, the righty could plug a hole in the starting staff or relief corps.
Another rookie contributor was Bob Walk taking the ball every fifth day and eating 151 2/3 innings with an 11-7 mark and a 4.57 ERA. Roughly, having a first-year player produce in a divisional race is the unforgettable finishing touch, and Alec Bohm is bound to make his MLB debut in 2020.
With April drawing near, Zack Wheeler and Didi Gregorius won’t realize 2020’s forecast because they weren’t here for 2019. Meanwhile, Scott Kingery and Zach Eflin will be concentrating on ’20 alone. But since the fourth-place prediction probably isn’t sitting well with Harper and Nola, how will they respond? Fourth place, adios!
If you have any questions or opinions regarding the Philadelphia Phillies, please open the comments section.