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Philadelphia Phillies: Spencer Howard could start season in rotation

By David Hill

PHILADELPHIA, PA - AUGUST 29: The Phillies logo at section 108 seat 32 is shown at Citizens Bank Park on August 29, 2017 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Rain cancelled the game against the Atlanta Braves and is rescheduled as a doubleheader tomorrow. (Photo by Corey Perrine/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA - AUGUST 29: The Phillies logo at section 108 seat 32 is shown at Citizens Bank Park on August 29, 2017 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Rain cancelled the game against the Atlanta Braves and is rescheduled as a doubleheader tomorrow. (Photo by Corey Perrine/Getty Images) /
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The shortened season is likely to remove any innings limits on younger pitchers. This could mean that the Philadelphia Phillies start the season with Spencer Howard in their rotation.

With the upcoming shortened season, there is a greater impetuous for those teams expected to compete to have the best roster possible. The margin for error has decreased, with a slow start potentially being a fatal blow for a team’s postseason aspirations. That is especially true for the Philadelphia Phillies, and the question marks they have in the back of their rotation.

Had there been a full season, it was expected that the Phillies would bring prospect Spencer Howard to the majors sometime in the second half. Obviously, they would look to manage his innings, which could be done in the minors. Once in Philadelphia, he would be expected to provide an immediate boost to the back of the rotation.

Now, with the expected shorter season, those innings restrictions may no longer be applicable. In fact, the Phillies are considering having Howard in the rotation once the season begins should he perform well once spring training begins anew.

More Phillies. How the delay impacts the Phillies. light

Howard performed well in his limited time last season. He rocketed through the Phillies’ system, reaching AA by the end of the year. Combined between his four stops, Howard posted a 2.03 ERA and a 0.831 WHiP, striking out 94 batters against 16 walks in his 75 innings.

If Howard is ready, he should provide an immediate upgrade over those pitchers vying for a spot in the back of the rotation. The first two spots are set with Aaron Nola and free agent signing Zack Wheeler. Jake Arrieta is a respectable third starter at this point, although he has been a bit of a roller coaster ride. Adding Howard to that mix should give the Phillies a better chance of contending in what should be a difficult division.

Next. Analyzing the rotation's repertoire. dark

Spencer Howard may be ready to help the Philadelphia Phillies immediately this season. If he is ready, the Phillies’ questionable rotation has gotten much stronger.

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