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Philadelphia Phillies: 5 players who need to bounce back in 2021

By David Esser

Sep 16, 2020; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Phillies second baseman Scott Kingery (4) scores as New York Mets catcher Wilson Ramos (40) is unable to make the play at home plate during the second inning of the game at Citizens Bank Park. Mandatory Credit: John Geliebter-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 16, 2020; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Phillies second baseman Scott Kingery (4) scores as New York Mets catcher Wilson Ramos (40) is unable to make the play at home plate during the second inning of the game at Citizens Bank Park. Mandatory Credit: John Geliebter-USA TODAY Sports /
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Philadelphia Phillies Jose Alvarado
Oct 14, 2020; San Diego, California, USA; Tampa Bay Rays relief pitcher Jose Alvarado (46) pitches during the seventh inning against the Houston Astros during game four of the 2020 ALCS at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports /

Jose Alvarado, RP

He didn’t play for the Philadelphia Phillies last year, but the organization is expecting a bounce back season from Jose Alvarado in 2021 nevertheless.

A flame-throwing lefty who was acquired via trade with the Tampa Bay Rays, Alvarado has all the makings of an elite bullpen piece. He throws hard, his pitches have an absurd amount of movement (specifically his sinker), and he’s only 25 years old. In terms of who the Phillies should have been targeting this offseason to fix their bullpen, Alvarado definitely fit the bill.

With all of that said, Alvarado’s 2020 season was still messy. He pitched just 9.0 innings for the Rays, allowing 9 hits and 7 runs in the process. Alvarado was in and out of action for a majority of the season, eventually returning for the Rays postseason run where he pitched in two scoreless outings.

Next. Potential J.T. Realmuto reunion gives the Philadelphia Phillies direction. dark

When it comes to the Philadelphia Phillies, they are really hoping to get that postseason version of Alvarado in 2020, along with the version of himself that he showed in 2018 (2.39 ERA). Even with Archie Bradley now in town, the Phils still have a super weak bullpen, and Alvarado is going to have to be really good if Philadelphia wants to make a serious run at a Wild Card spot this season.

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