Ranking NL East starting rotations: Braves have work to do
By James Kunkle
4. Philadelphia Phillies
The Philadelphia Phillies would most likely be higher than fourth in almost any division in baseball…except the NL East. I am higher than some on the Phillies rotation but still, I have them fourth among this group.
Of course, the Phillies made a huge splash in the past free agency class as they lured Zack Wheeler away from the New York Mets to become their co-ace along with the ultra-talented Aaron Nola.
As most would tell you, and may I add be correct in telling you, the Phillies rotation is extremely top-heavy with the two before-mentioned pitchers, but the bottom part of their staff leaves a lot to be desired.
The bottom two in the rotation will all but likely come from within the group of Zach Eflin, Cole Irvin, and Vince Velasquez.
Velasquez is surely the most polished of those pitchers, but being completely honest, none of those will strike fear in an opposing team, and I wouldn’t trust them in a big-time series later in the year.
Once you get past Wheeler and Nola, almost any team will have the advantage in the pitching department.
Of course, a lot could still depend on which Jake Arrieta the Phillies have. If he can get back close to his days with the Cubs, they have a legit 1-2-3 who can match up with anyone, but it looks as if injuries have caught up to Arrieta and it might be a struggle to stay healthy for the duration of the season no matter how long it is this year.