The Philadelphia Phillies opener question will influence how the team moves forward with the fifth rotation spot until the trade deadline. After optioning pitcher Andrew Painter to Triple-A Lehigh Valley on June 17 the Phillies have a flexible rotation role. For now Alan Rangel has been recalled from Triple-A Lehigh Valley to take the 26-man roster spot. Tim Mayza served as an opener for Rangel on June 22. After the game Phillies interim manager Don Mattingly did not commit to Rangel starting the next time that spot comes up. All seven of the major leagues appearances Rangel has made have come out of the bullpen. Rangel has started in the minors leagues.
Rangel has a 3-4 record with a 3.99 ERA and a 4.57 FIP in 14 minor league appearances this season. 11 of those 14 outings were starts. Rangel also has a 1.31 WHIP and a 2.70 K/BB rate in the minor leagues this year. Opposing batters have a .245 average and a .302 BABIP against Rangel in Triple-A this season. Meanwhile in seven career major league appearances Rangel has a 2.37 ERA and a 3.80 FIP with one save. Rangel has a 1.26 WHIP and a 2.83 K/BB rate in the majors. Opposing batters have a .250 average and a .318 BABIP against Rangel in the majors. Rangel primarily relies on a fastball and a changeup with a slider and curveball mixed in.
Phillies Opener Question
What Works Best If Rangel Holds Onto The Role
The Phillies used Tanner Banks as an opener for Painter for one outing before the rotation change was made. Banks and Mayza both allowed runs in their one inning of work opening the game. This did not help Painter or Rangel in each respective game. Rangel went on to pitch five innings allowing one run on five hits while recording five strikeouts and no walks. It was a promising outing for Rangel who should be allowed to start next time. Even if Painter returns to the major league roster later in the season it would be helpful to give Rangel a few starts. The Phillies opener question changes if someone else is given the role.
Lack Of Organizational Starting Pitching Depth
Rangel is currently the Phillies lone real internal option to hold onto the role for an extended period of time. Jean Cabrera is also on the 40-man roster but is in the midst of a strange season that has seen him demoted to Double-A Reading. Seth Johnson has started in the past but has been converted to a relief pitcher and is not likely an option if Rangel struggles. Alex McFarlane is another 40-man roster pitcher who the Phillies have converted from a starting pitcher to a relief pitcher. However, McFarlane could be a factor in a bullpen role later this season. This should help answer the Phillies opener question.
Trade Market
Matt Gelb and Charlotte Varnes of The Athletic recently reported that the Phillies have had trade conversations surrounding swingman type pitchers. The Phillies long overdue move earlier this season to release Taijuan Walker has paid off even with Painter getting sent down. Even if Walker were still on the team this would be a point of conversation. Ideally the Phillies trade for a short term swingman while also adding a starter with minor league options. That could come through a trade or a minor league signing. With that being said Rangel needs to be given a few starts as well to add flexibility for this rotation spot.
Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images
