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Philadelphia Phillies: 5 non-roster invitees who could crack the main roster

By David Esser

Aug 25, 2020; New York City, New York, USA; Miami Marlins relief pitcher Brandon Kintzler (27) pitches during the bottom of the seventh inning against the New York Mets at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 25, 2020; New York City, New York, USA; Miami Marlins relief pitcher Brandon Kintzler (27) pitches during the bottom of the seventh inning against the New York Mets at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports /
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Philadelphia Phillies Ivan Nova
Aug 14, 2020; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Detroit Tigers starting pitcher Ivan Nova (43) pitches during the first inning against the Cleveland Indians at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports /

Ivan Nova, RHP

A starting pitcher that was scooped up early in the offseason process. Ivan Nova was likely acquired as some extra depth behind the likes of Matt Moore, Chase Anderson, and even Vince Velasquez. The Phillies ran super thin at starting pitcher last season, and it really hurt them when they experienced some injury woes down the stretch. Reliever David Hale had to make some starts during must-win ballgames, and rookie pitcher Adonis Medina was even forced to debut.

By stashing away Nova – an 11 year pro with 200+ career starts – the Philadelphia Phillies have themselves an insurance policy should one of their starters go down.

However, we’re still talking about a tenured veteran with a career ERA in the mid-to-low 4.00s. Compared to the likes of Moore, Velasquez, and Anderson, he’s arguably just as qualified for a back-end rotation gig.

His brutal 2020 campaign (8.53 ERA) sets him behind the eight ball compared to the previously mentioned starters, but there’s no guarantee that Joe Girardi won’t be giving him an honest look this spring. If Nova rolls into camp and far out-pitches someone like Velasquez, I wouldn’t be surprised to see the Phils simply award him a more stable spot on the major league roster.

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