Heading into the All-Star break, the Phillies are not where they would like to be. They’re behind the Braves by a considerable amount and battling the Nationals for second place and a wild card, for now.
Criticisms have shifted from Gabe Kapler to General Manager Matt Klentak for not improving the starting rotation. Starters outside of Aaron Nola have had barely any success in their last 3 starts.
Their ERA’s in the past 3 games are as follows:
Vince Velasquez-4.40 ERA,
Jake Arrieta-7.71 ERA,
Nick Pievetta-8.10 ERA,
Zach Eflin-9.64 ERA
That level of awfulness has hidden the fact that the Phillies have improved their bench over the past month and a half.