The Philadelphia Phillies addressed their biggest need by trading for right-handed reliever David Phelps. He comes over with a 2-3 record and a very respectable 2.77 ERA. With the Milwaukee Brewers, he was holding down the seventh and eighth innings. This is where the Phillies can really use his veteran arm. He will join a bullpen that has really struggled in the first half of the season.
Phelps to Phillies. Brewers get 3 prospects back.
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) August 31, 2020
What He Offers The Phillies
There is no secret that if the Phillies are going to make the playoffs, they will have to pitch better in the late innings. David Phelps is someone who is no stranger to this role. Since 2016, he has made 171 appearances with 11 strikeouts per nine with an ERA under 3. He has held right-handed hitters to an average of .196. This will be a welcome sight for a bullpen that has struggled mightily this season.
Phelps will join newcomers Brandon Workman, Heath Hembree, and David Hale. Expect him to be a strong candidate to come in and hold leads late in the game.
Brewers Return
The Brewers will be receiving three low-end prospects from the Phillies. The Brewers, who are sitting at 15-18, are just outside the playoff picture. Despite being close, they don’t figure to be a team in line to make a big run. With that being the case, rebuilding with multiple prospects is always a smart move, especially for a smaller market club.
Bottom Line
The Phillies have the lineup and top end of the rotation to be a playoff contender and even advance past the first round. Their glaring weakness has been the bullpen. Bringing in a veteran like David Phelps can help take some pressure and responsibility off the ones struggling, and the other new acquisitions made the past few weeks. The Phillies will welcome a strong right-handed pitcher who can pitch any inning that they need him to pitch.
Main Photo: Embed from Getty Images
