Phillies Five is re-juvinated and back this week as Philliedelphia.com takes a look into the Phillies bullpen. A squad that has held opposing hitters to just 6 runs in 48 1/3 innings since June 3rd, the Phillies bullpen has been a big part of the reason the Phillies aren't losing every game they play right now.
With the bullpen being a significant part of every team in baseball, the Phillies' bullpen guys have held their own in June. Ranking 7th and 19th in Wins and Losses for relievers, the Phillies also place 11th in the MLB for WHIP.
Today we're going to look at the top five relievers in the Phillies bullpen this year.
5. Mario Hollands
Mario Hollands has had an impressive first year of his career so far. The 25-year-old right hander has entered 30 games this year – holding opposing hitters to a .196 average in over 27 innings. Used as a solid starter-to-closer bridge pitcher, Hollands has gained three holds in three save situations. Although Hollands has yet to pitch more than two innings in a single game, he has still done his part to help Phillies starters out and bridge them to their closer in those situations.
4. Antonio Bastarto
Antonio Bastardo has been a part of this team since 2009 and even though he has had some bad seasons under his belt, he has still shown examples on why he is still with this club. Holding hitters to a .158 average, Bastardo has struck out 42 hitters to accompany his 1.11 WHIP. Bastardo has not allowed an earned run since May 31st against the Mets and since then is 1-0 with 11 strike outs. Left handed bullpen pitchers are a huge key in this game and even Antonio Bastardo has his moments. With his huge part in this bullpen's success, he lands a spot on this list.
3. Ken Giles
Okay, so I know Kenny Giles has pitched in only six games this year, but the rookie has made a good impression on his managers and teammates. The 23-year-old fire baller made his debut with the club back on June 12th against the Padres. He allowed a solo home run, but since then he has not allowed a single run to cross the plate and has allowed just one more hit. Giles has clocked in at as high as 100 MPH and it has hitters dazed. He has struck out 12 hitters in 6 innings of work and has allowed just two walks. Giles surely has a lot of miles left to go, but if he can keep up the strong effort, the rookie would definitely be a big piece of this bullpen (even the starting rotation) in years to come.
2. Jonathan Papelbon
Probably the most outspoken player on this team next to Jimmy Rollins, the Phillies' closer takes number two on the list because he has continued to do what the Phillies have paid him to do. Papelbon is entering his third year as the Phillies full-time closer and has secured 85 saves in 98 opportunities in his time here. In 2014, Papelbon has blown all but two saves and ranks 10th in the MLB in saves with 18. Over his last 10 appearances, Papelbon has blown just one save and has struck out 8 hitters in that span. In the month of June alone, Papelbon has saved five games for the Phils – including last night's (June 24th) game against the Marlins.
1. Justin De Fratus
Justin De Fratus has split most of his time the past three years between the Phillies' big league team and their Triple-A affiliate Lehigh Valley IronPigs. Despite spending a lot of time in the minors, De Fratus has shined in the bigs this season. In 17 games, De Fratus has allowed just four earned runs – all of which came in April. Since April 12th, every appearance De Fratus has made has been scoreless on his behalf. Pitching just 18 innings, De Fratus has not gone longer than two in a single game. With De Fratus as a young, up and coming right hander in the Phillies set up man position – he has shown his worth so far this season and that is why he is number one on our list.
With the Phillies 31-45 on the year and 1/2 a game out of fourth place (5 1/2) out of first in the NL East, the Phillies need to make some decisions on what they need to do heading forward. With a bullpen full of young arms and some veterans as well, the Phillies will need to make anything that is everything work as they head into the All-Star break and the trade deadline.
Erik Seybold is a writer for Philliedelphia.com. Follow him on Twitter @ErikSeyboldPHI.
