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Philadelphia Phillies: 5 players who might be due for a rough 2021 season

By David Esser

Sep 14, 2020; Miami, Florida, USA; Philadelphia Phillies center fielder Andrew McCutchen (22) reacts after striking out against the Miami Marlins in the eighth inning of the game at Marlins Park. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 14, 2020; Miami, Florida, USA; Philadelphia Phillies center fielder Andrew McCutchen (22) reacts after striking out against the Miami Marlins in the eighth inning of the game at Marlins Park. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-USA TODAY Sports /
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Philadelphia Phillies Spencer Howard
Sep 5, 2020; New York City, New York, USA; Philadelphia Phillies starting pitcher Spencer Howard (48) pitches against the New York Mets during the first inning at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Andy Marlin-USA TODAY Sports /

Spencer Howard, RHP

If I’m being brutally honest, it looks like there might be a chance of Spencer Howard not cracking the Philadelphia Phillies Opening Day roster at all. The team has already added two back-end starting pitchers, and have reportedly expressed interest in the likes of Jake Odorizzi, Taijuan Walker, and James Paxton.

If the Phillies end up adding a third starter via free agency, it’s hard to figure out where exactly Howard fits into it all.

Howard showed flashes of some real potential during the 2020 season, but ultimately speaking it was a rough first couple of starts for the rookie right-hander. He finished the year with a 5.92 ERA, and missed the last couple of weeks of action due to some lingering shoulder stiffness.

Howard could start off the year down in AAA as he continues to work on his shoulder strength, or he could even find a spot in the bullpen as the likes of Matt Moore, Chase Anderson, and possibly even Vince Velasquez hold down the fourth and fifth spots in the starting rotation.

Next. What Trevor Bauer signing with LA means for the Philadelphia Phillies. dark

Overall, I am still super excited to see what Howard can develop into in the longterm. However, 2021 just might not be his “breakout” year.

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