Phillies option Zach Eflin to AAA after rough outing
The Philadelphia Phillies have had their share of pitching struggles, and Zach Eflin was the latest victim.
It was not a good day for the young pitcher Zach Eflin. After spoiling a four-run second inning for the Phillies, Eflin suffered his third loss of the season. To add to that, it was announced that the Phillies have optioned Eflin to the AAA Lehigh Valley IronPigs, as reported by Todd Zolecki.
Surprising? Not in the least bit. In eight starts, Eflin has given up 32 earned runs and 11 home runs. Four of those home runs came in today’s loss to the Cincinnati Reds. Before the right-hander could even serenade in his poor outing, he was sent back to Lehigh Valley, where the hope will be to find control of his inconsistent fastball.
Eflin is just a good example of how horrid this pitching rotation has been this season. Jerad Eickhoff still finds himself winless, Vince Velasquez has yet to show any semblance of consistency, and studs Aaron Nola and Jeremy Hellickson have found themselves on a rollercoaster ride of a season.
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This sending down will likely see the call-up of Nick Pivetta, who has appeared in two games for the Phillies this year, losing both games. Since his brief major league stint, Pivetta has shown some signs of confidence on the mound. Another call-up could do wonders for the 24-year old.
The team could also play their hand with hot pitcher Ben Lively. Lively has been dominant this season for the IronPigs. In nine games, Lively has recorded a 6-1 record with a 2.40 ERA. He hasn’t lost a game since his second start of the season, and is probably more deserving of a shot at the majors than any other pitcher in Lehigh Valley. The former fourth-round pick isn’t an overpowering pitcher, but his control has been incredible this season.
At 25 years of age, Lively has yet to make an MLB appearance despite an early season call-up. There’s no reason to not take a chance on the hot hand.
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As for Eflin, the hope will be a rejuvenation of control and confidence in a stint with the minors. To say Eflin has been disappointing to this point is an understatement, and some time in lesser competition may do some good for his psyche. This probably won’t be the last time we see Eflin in a Phillies jersey, but for now, the organization made the right move as they try to find an answer to these pitching struggles.