Section 215
Fansided

Philadelphia Phillies taking “quantity over quality” approach to their rotation

By David Esser

Mar 11, 2020; Dunedin, Florida, USA; Toronto Blue Jays starting pitcher Chase Anderson (22) delivers a pitch during the second inning of a game between the Toronto Blue Jays and the Baltimore Orioles at TD Ballpark. Mandatory Credit: Mary Holt-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 11, 2020; Dunedin, Florida, USA; Toronto Blue Jays starting pitcher Chase Anderson (22) delivers a pitch during the second inning of a game between the Toronto Blue Jays and the Baltimore Orioles at TD Ballpark. Mandatory Credit: Mary Holt-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
3 of 5
Next
Philadelphia Phillies Matt Moore
DETROIT, MI – APRIL 6: Matt Moore #51 of the Detroit Tigers pitches against the Kansas City Royals during the second inning at Comerica Park on April 6, 2019 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Duane Burleson/Getty Images) /

Matt Moore, LHP

I discussed the Matt Moore signing and what it could do for the Philadelphia Phillies rotation earlier last week, but to recap, he’s a veteran “bounce back candidate” who could definitely add a sense of balance to the Phils rotation.

As I’m sure you’re all well aware by now, the Phillies have really struggled to find reliable left-handed starting pitching over the last couple of years. Ever since Cole Hamels departed in the mid 2010s, the organization has seemingly been at a loss in terms of landing a southpaw to use in their starting rotation.

While it isn’t required for baseball teams to have both lefties and righties in their rotation, it  normally helps to have some semblance of variety, especially when it comes to the postseason.

It’s been a minute since Moore actually pitched in the major leagues, as he spent the entirety of the 2020 season overseas in Japan. While he did make some MLB appearances in 2018 and 2019, the last time Moore logged 20+ starts in a regular season was way back in 2017.

Similar to that of Anderson, the Philadelphia Phillies are banking on Moore’s ability to bounce back in 2021, returning to some semblance of the type of pitcher that actually saw him earn an All-Star appearance in 2013.

Moore’s one-year/$3 million contract isn’t significant, but like Anderson, it likely signals that the Phils expect him to be a player in their rotation come Opening Day.

Home/Philadelphia Phillies