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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 /
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Philadelphia Phillies Spencer Howard
Aug 31, 2020; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Phillies starting pitcher Spencer Howard (48) throws a pitch during the second inning against the Washington Nationals at Citizens Bank Park. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports /

Spencer Howard, RHP

Despite his injury-riddled 2020 campaign, the general consensus heading into the offseason was that Spencer Howard was due for a major breakout season in 2021.

Now, I’m not so sure.

Howard was likely set to be on an “innings limit” regardless this season, but with the additions of both Anderson and Moore, there’s a semi-decent chance that the Phillies don’t plan to use him as a starter at all this season – or at least not someone who regularly makes starts.

Howard could work out of the bullpen on occasion, or be a spot starter – he could even start off the year down in the minor-leagues as he continues to get his throwing arm back into shape.

I’m by no means “out” on Howard, he’s still the Phillies top pitching prospect by a landslide. However, 2021 might be more of a “developmental” year for the young right-hander.

Outside of the names already mentioned, the Phillies also have Ranger Suarez returning to 100% this season, and they inked Ivan Nova (veteran starter) to a minor-league deal as well. Both names could see some action in the rotation should they majorly impress during Spring Training.

Next. Philadelphia Phillies: 5 free agent bench bats worth giving a contract. dark

Ultimately speaking the Phillies projected rotation isn’t the flashiest, but it’s undeniably deep with arms. Gone should be the days of guys like David Hale making spot starts late in the season with the playoffs on the line.

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