Call to the pen
Fansided

Philadelphia Phillies make major change to starting rotation

By David Hill

Sep 15, 2022; Miami, Florida, USA; Philadelphia Phillies starting pitcher Noah Syndergaard (43) delivers a pitch in the first inning against the Miami Marlins at loanDepot park. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 15, 2022; Miami, Florida, USA; Philadelphia Phillies starting pitcher Noah Syndergaard (43) delivers a pitch in the first inning against the Miami Marlins at loanDepot park. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports /
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Noah Syndergaard was supposed to be the missing piece for the Philadelphia Phillies rotation. So much for those plans.

The Phillies were set to have a logjam in the rotation once Zack Wheeler returns. Bailey Falter had entered the rotation as a stopgap but had been pitching well. It made no sense to remove him from the rotation at this point. Instead, Matt Gelb of The Athletic reported that it is Syndergaard who will be removed in Wheeler’s favor.

Philadelphia Phillies made mistake with Noah Syndergaard

The Phillies had several holes at the trade deadline as they needed help in the outfield, bullpen, and back of the rotation. Syndergaard had performed well with the Angels in his first season back from Tommy John surgery, making him an ideal rental at the deadline. For a Phillies team in desperate need of help in the back of the rotation, his upside made him appear to be a perfect fit.

Instead, Syndergaard has struggled since coming to Philadelphia. He has posted a 4.79 ERA and a 1.383 WHiP in his 47 innings, striking out just 26 batters with seven walks. Those struggles have been worse over his last four outings, as he has allowed 16 runs, 15 earned, on 30 hits and three walks over 22 innings, striking out 13 batters.

Falter, meanwhile, has been on a roll for the Phillies. Since his return on August 20, he has allowed just eight runs on 23 hits and two walks over his 29.2 innings, striking out 22 batters. He has easily outperformed Syndergaard, making this an easy decision for a team desperately attempting to hold on to a spot in the postseason.

Syndergaard will still get his innings. The plan is that he will serve as a piggyback option for Wheeler in his first two outings as he builds back to a full workload. However, that is just a temporary solution, leaving the Phillies’ biggest trade deadline acquisition in the bullpen once Wheeler is ready. Syndergaard could help solve one of the Phillies problems; it just will not be the one that was expected.

Phillies eyeing major splash at short. dark. Next

The Philadelphia Phillies are taking Noah Syndergaard out of the rotation once Zack Wheeler returns. They are making the right decision.

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