Following the injuries to starting pitchers Taijuan Walker and Spencer Turnbull, the Philadelphia Phillies’ back of the rotation has undergone some changes. While Walker and Turnbull are still in the early phases of their rehab, the Phillies have recently had to rely on some organizational depth to keep the five-man rotation on pace.
The Phillies appeared to catch lightning in a bottle when recently promoted right-hander Micheal Mercado stepped into the rotation to make his debut MLB start against the Chicago Cubs on July 2. Mercardo was outstanding in his five innings, allowing two hits and one run while striking out four and walking two.
Mercado’s next start against the Atlanta Braves was less impressive, lasting only 1 2/3 innings and giving up five earned runs, three home runs, three walks, and only one strikeout. In a game that quickly spiralled out of control, manager Rob Thomson was forced to pull the rookie out.
Record-breaking Phillies rookie works his way into the rotation for his first career start.
Thomson needed someone to pitch a lot of innings, so he brought in recently promoted righty Tyler Phillips. Phillips outperformed all expectations in his four innings of bullpen work. After striking out the side in his opening inning, he finished with three hits and one earned run, seven strikeouts, and no walks. Phillips’ remarkable effort was the one bright point in the 6-0 loss.
Phillips made his Phillies debut and entered the franchise record book. His seven strikeouts were the most by a Phillies relief pitcher in his MLB debut, beating Bill Duggleby’s mark set 123 years earlier.
According to Scott Lauber of The Philadelphia Inquirer, the 26-year-old will start for the Phillies against the Oakland Athletics on Saturday.
Will Tyler Phillips remain in the rotation?
What does Phillips’ addition to the Phillies’ rotation signify beyond the All-Star break? It can be broken down from several perspectives.
It’s likely that the Phillies liked what they saw on Phillips’ mound and want to give him a closer look while Walker and Turnbull return from the injured list. Mercado joins Seranthony Domínguez and Jeff Hoffman as a powerful right-handed bullpen arm.
There are plenty alternative options to explore. It’s hardly unexpected that the Phillies want Mercado back on the mound in a relief role as soon as possible to help regain any confidence he lost during his previous start. Or, with Zack Wheeler missing Sunday’s start due to a lower back issue, the Phillies might start Mercardo in his place against the 35-60 Oakland Athletics in the final game before the All-Star break.
Whatever the reason for adding Tyler Phillips to the rotation this week, the Phillies appear to be confidence in their pitching depth right now, and a start against the last-place A’s should provide Phillips with an excellent opportunity to get MLB experience in a low-stakes environment.
Leave a Reply