Inside The Phillies

Philadelphia Phillies Star Pitcher Could Move Into Bullpen

The Philadelphia Phillies could move their star pitcher into the bullpen for the final stretch of the year heading into the postseason.
Brad Wakai|
Philadelphia Phillies Star Pitcher Could Move Into Bullpen
Philadelphia Phillies Star Pitcher Could Move Into Bullpen

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Philadelphia Phillies

The Philadelphia Phillies aren't saying it, but there is some concern surrounding the pitching staff right now. The bullpen continues to be a problem down the stretch, blowing games late. The starting rotation, except for Zack Wheeler, has been shaky.

Ahead of the 2023 MLB Trade Deadline, Phillies President of Baseball Operations made a surprising move to many when he acquired Michael Lorenzen of the Detroit Tigers to adding pitching help for the second half of the season.

After the acquisition, Philadelphia has been operating on a six-man starting rotation as they've been trying to give their pitchers more rest.

That is expected to be over starting Tuesday.

According to Matt Gelb of The Athletic, the Phillies planned on going back to a five-man rotation after the doubleheader against the Atlanta Braves on Monday.

This means that Lorenzen could move back into the bullpen where he was used for the majority of his career.

Gelb writes, "The Phillies have discussed scenarios in which Lorenzen would pair with Sánchez so they can manage the innings for both. One would start, go through a lineup once, and then the other would pitch as a piggyback partner. Maybe that is the best way to monitor innings."

Christopher Sanchez is scheduled to start Wednesday in the series finale against the Braves as he takes on their ace Spencer Strider.

Lorenzen, for his part, wants to be a starter in the MLB. It's one of the reasons why he signed with Detroit in free agency.

He also wants to be apart of a winner.

"I just want to win,” the righty told Gelb. “I just want to win. That’s it."

It's very likely that their trade deadline acquisition gets moved into the bullpen at some point for the postseason. He would give a major boost to a struggling unit that is the biggest question mark surrounding Philadelphia's chances to win the World Series

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Brad Wakai
BRAD WAKAI

Brad Wakai graduated from Penn State University with a degree in Journalism. While an undergrad, he did work at the student radio station covering different Penn State athletic programs like football, basketball, volleyball, soccer and other sports. Brad currently is the Lead Contributor for Nittany Lions Wire of Gannett Media where he continues to cover Penn State athletics. He is also a contributor at FanSided, writing about the Philadelphia 76ers for The Sixers Sense. Brad is the host of the sports podcast I Said What I Said, discussing topics across the NFL, College Football, the NBA and other sports. You can follow him on Twitter: @bwakai

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