Philadelphia Phillies 2022 Fantasy Baseball Preview – Pitchers

Zach Eflin

It’s really a guessing game as to what the Phillies and any fantasy teams might get from Zach Eflin this year. Coming off knee surgery, it’s going to take a while for him to round into form. But if you are feeling frisky enough to take a chance on him in the last round of your draft, you could end up being rewarded. In a best case scenario, Eflin can provide about 150 strikeouts in as many innings, around 10 wins, and an ERA in the low 4.00s. You won’t kick yourself for missing out on him, but if you gamble and he pays off, then it could boost your staff. I say take him for a test drive for a month, then see how it’s going. No commitments.

The Bullpen

Things aren’t set in stone, but it certainly appears that the Phillies signed Corey Knebel with the intention of making him the primary closer, so draft accordingly. In one of my drafts, he flew off the board at the start of the 11th round, but that’s a bit too rich for my blood. I think he’s a viable option in the 12th round or later as part of the inevitable closer run that occurs once teams have mostly filled their offenses and top few starting pitcher spots.

Of course, Knebel could cede chances to any number of bullpen arms, including the returning Jose Alvarado or recent signings Jeurys Familia and Brad Hand (251 combined career saves for these two guys). Plus, Seranthony Dominguez is always lurking. None of these pitchers are worth drafting from the jump if they don’t have a piece of the closer’s role, but be proactive early in case Knebel runs into some sort of issue.

Vince Velasquez

Did you just have a moment of panic, thinking he was somehow still on the team? Thankfully, he’s finally not! I just figured I would end on a huge positive note that we don’t have to deal with this anymore.