Report: Phillies showing ‘strong interest’ in Mike Minor

The Phillies are off to a 10-6 start to the season. Despite the signing of Bryce Harper and the additions of other key players like J.T. Realmuto, Andrew McCutchen and Jean Segura, the Phils have had some problems with pitching. The pitching rotation has the 22nd best ERA in the league to this point and the team just optioned Nick Pivetta to Triple-A Lehigh Valley. With a lot of questions surrounding the strength of the rotation, especially with Aaron Nola’s uncharacteristic start to the year, the Phillies could very well look for help outside the organization.

Back in December, the Phillies showed some interest in pursuing southpaw Mike Minor from the Rangers. According to Bob Nightengale of USA Today, the Phillies are showing interest in Minor once again, along with the New York Mets.

Minor, 31, is set to earn $9.5 million in both 2019 and 2020. After missing two straight seasons due to injury in 2015 and 2016, Minor had 65 appearances out of the bullpen for for the Royals in 2017. He looked sharp, finishing with a 2.55 ERA and 1.02 WHIP. In 2018, Minor signed with the Rangers and made 28 starts, going 12-8 with a 4.18 ERA. He is off to a strong start to the 2019 campaign, allowing eight earned runs in 27.2 innings of work, good for an ERA of 2.60. Minor’s WHIP stands at 0.94 and he’s struck out 22 batters to eight walks.