Phillies: Dual 3-batter strategy for 2020

Healthy and ready:         

In his first Phillies season, portsider Jose Alvarez was the only reliever besides Hector Neris to avoid a lengthy absence. And he basically faced both-side hitters equally and was serviceable against right-handed batters. Yes, Klentak’s acquisition!

Phillies statistical results toward 75-80 percent: 

• Alvarez: 43 good (1 opener), 8 so-so and 16 bad (1 blowup) out of 67 total for 76.1%
• Morgan: 34 good, 2 so-so and 4 bad (3 blowups) out of 40 total for 90%
• Dominguez: 16 good, 4 so-so and 7 bad (1 blowup) out of 27 total for 74.1%
• Neris: 50 good, 3 so-so and 15 bad (2 blowups) out of 68 total for 77.9%

Seranthony Dominguez and Adam Morgan are on slower schedules after finishing 2019 on the IL. Finally, they made their first appearances of one scoreless inning apiece on March 5, but relievers don’t require more than 2-3 weeks to be ready.

Basic splits:

• LP Alvarez vs. left-side bats: 29 2/3 Inn., a 2.43 ERA and a 1.08 WHIP.
  vs. right-side bats: 29 1/3 Inn., a 4.30 ERA and a 1.77 WHIP.
• LP Morgan vs. left-side bats: 14 1/3 Inn., a 3.77 ERA and a 0.77 WHIP.
  vs. right-side bats: 15 1/3 Inn., a 4.11 ERA and a 1.24 WHIP.
• RP Dominguez vs. right-side bats: 15 2/3 Inn., a 2.87 ERA and a 1.09 WHIP.
  vs. left-side bats: 9 Inn., a 6.00 ERA and a 2.11 WHIP.
• RP Neris vs. right-side bats: 36 1/3 Inn., a 2.48 ERA and a 1.05 WHIP.
  vs. left-side bats: 31 1/3 Inn., a 3.45 ERA and a 0.99 WHIP.

In ’19, Morgan’s numbers were similar against hitters regardless of batting side with an acceptable rate of 90 percent. Meanwhile, Dominguez can record critical outs in the eighth and ninth frames, plus the flamethrower’s velocity after one outing has increased from 94 mph to 96 mph: Previously, he averaged 97.7 mph.

Despite the faithful’s doubts, Neris produced acceptable outings in 77.9 percent of his 68 appearances. But although he isn’t a championship-level closer, he is the red pinstripes’ best reliever. However, Dominguez and Robertson could be better options for more difficult outs.

2018’s Basic splits:

• RP Robertson vs. right-side bats: 37 Inn., a 2.43 ERA and a 1.11 WHIP.
  vs. left-side bats: 32 2/3 Inn., a 4.13 ERA and a 0.95 WHIP.

Robertson believes he didn’t have a contract-completed injury and will return in 2020’s second half, but others aren’t as optimistic regarding July. Basically, he wants to prove he’s healthy and effective, plus returning will help him in his walk year for a new deal. Translation: He is a pennant-winning-caliber fireman.