The Philadelphia Phillies have one of the best starting rotations in baseball, and it came with a few key changes. Philadelphia’s starters rank fourth in MLB with a 3.32 ERA entering Monday’s series opener against the Colorado Rockies, highlighting the positive impact that offseason additions like Jesus Luzardo have brought to the fold.
While things have looked good for the Phillies starters, it can’t be said for some hurlers that used to call Philadelphia home. In the case of one arm, a rough performance wound up costing him his job and will have him battling for another opportunity as he returns to the free agent market.
Orioles Designate Former Phillies Pitcher Kyle Gibson For Assignment
The Baltimore Orioles announced on Sunday that they are designating former Phillies pitcher Kyle Gibson for assignment. The right-hander was rocked in his last start against the Washington Nationals on Saturday, allowing six runs in 0.2 innings, earning him his walking papers from the franchise.
It’s been a tough season for the Orioles, who have been one of baseball’s most disappointing teams. Baltimore went from making the playoffs each of the past two seasons, including winning the American League East in 2023, to sitting in last place in the division with a 15-30 record, which also led to manager Brandon Hyde being fired on Saturday.
While firing the manager is one lever to pull, the starting rotation has been next on the chopping block. Orioles starters rank 29th with a 6.01 ERA this season and Gibson didn’t help the cause, going 0-3 with a 16.78 ERA in 12.1 innings this season.
It could be the final chapter for the 37-year-old.
Gibson started his career as a first-round pick by the Minnesota Twins in the 2009 MLB Draft and has pitched 13 seasons in the big leagues, including a year and a half with the Phillies from 2021 to 2022. He was respectable in the past two seasons, posting a 23-17 record and 4.50 ERA with the Orioles and St. Louis Cardinals, but the wheels have fallen off this season.
It’s curious to wonder where the former Phillies starter could wind up; however, Philadelphia’s rotation does not need reinforcements as they compete with the National League’s best.