Remember when the Phillies’ depth of young pitchers was supposed to be one of the bright spots this season? Fifty-two games in and it has been down right disturbing.
Vince Velasquez struggled with pitch counts and control and is now sidelined until at least the all-star break. Aaron Nola was put on the disabled list and hasn’t returned to form. Zach Eflin couldn’t prove he was worthy of a spot in a major league rotation.
And Jerad Eickhoff is a shell of his 2016 self.
Eickhoff failed to get out of the third inning Friday night against the San Francisco Giants. In 2.2 innings, Eickhoff gave up six hits and five walks for five runs. This was against a team that came into the game dead last in the league in on-base percentage and slugging percentage, and second to last in batting average with .228.
While the entire team has been awful, Eickhoff has been the biggest disappointment. In his first two seasons, Eickhoff was the model of consistency and control. In 248.1 innings, he gave up just 55 walks, which gave him a 1.1 WHIP. In just under 60 innings this season, he’s walked 24 batters and has only gone seven innings once.
Meanwhile, the Phillies offense continued to be anemic, giving Ty Blach, who entered the game with a 9.45 ERA on the road, his first complete game shutout.
Phils now turn Saturday to Ben Lively, who will make his major league debut.
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