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Philadelphia Phillies make handful of changes to their bullpen

By David Esser

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JULY 20: (NEW YORK DAILIES OUT) Blake Parker #53 of the Philadelphia Phillies in action against the New York Yankees during a Summer Camp game at Yankee Stadium on July 20, 2020 in New York City. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JULY 20: (NEW YORK DAILIES OUT) Blake Parker #53 of the Philadelphia Phillies in action against the New York Yankees during a Summer Camp game at Yankee Stadium on July 20, 2020 in New York City. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images) /
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The Philadelphia Phillies have finally addressed some of the issues plaguing their bullpen.

Following one of the worst relief performances we’ve seen from the Philadelphia Phillies bullpen, general manager Matt Klentak has finally decided to start mixing things up when it comes to his reliever room.

According to the Phillies official Twitter page, Nick Pivetta has been optioned down to Lehigh Valley, Trevor Kelley has been designated for assignment, and both Blake Parker and Connor Brogdon have had their contracts selected. Outfielder Nick Williams was also designated for assignment after not seeing any action through the first eleven games of the season.

Once labeled as a potential Cy Young candidate, Pivetta has seen his pitching career completely fall off a cliff over the last two seasons. Across just 5.2 innings pitched this year, he has already allowed 10 hits, 10 runs, and three home runs. His ERA is up to an astounding 15.88, and his WHIP is almost at a 2.000. After he gave up six runs in just 0.1 innings of work last night, it seems the Phillies front office has finally given up on him.

Kelley was a major reclamation project heading in 2020, and he flopped in brilliant fashion. Despite recording an 8.64 ERA with the Red Sox last year, the Phillies felt he was worthy of a major league contract. Through just four appearances this season, he’s already given up eight hits and four runs. Kelley never should have been on the roster in the first place and he likely won’t be signed by anyone anytime soon.

A midseason acquisition, Parker pitched 25.0 innings for the Phillies last year, posting a 5.04 ERA and a 1.000 WHIP. While the amount of runs he gave up is concerning, his low percentage of base runners allowed already puts him toward the top of the Phillies bullpen.

Easily the most exciting announcement made is that of Brogdon’s contract being selected. A 6-6 power pitcher, Brogdon posted a 1.80 ERA in Clearwater last year and a 2.66 ERA in Reading. He’s likely already a top five relief arm in the Phillies ‘pen, but even if he’s not, it’ll be fun to watch him learn and develop.

Next. Philadelphia Phillies: Aaron Nola is pitching like a Cy Young candidate. dark

The Philadelphia Phillies take on the Baltimore Orioles tonight with Zack Wheeler on the mound. Wheeler has been phenomenal as of late, so hopefully we won’t even have to see much of Philly’s ‘pen this evening.

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