Has Zach Eflin Thrown His Last Pitch for the Phillies?

The Philadelphia Phillies miss Zach Eflin. His presence is much needed on a team that is currently putting out a bullpen game every fifth day in the middle of a pennant race.

After an impressive showing in 2020, it was believed that 2021 was finally going to be the year that Eflin established himself as a formidable starter. Unfortunately, Eflin tore his right patellar tendon in July, and on Sept. 8, the Phillies learned that he would need surgery to repair it, with expected recovery time being 6-8 months.

So, after the latest injury knocking him out for the season and possibly some of 2022 and the subsequent quest for a postseason berth for the first time in ten years, it begs the question: Is it time for the club to move on from Eflin?

The Phillies have long awaited to rely on Eflin as a dependable starter, but they haven't been able to. Every season is supposedly the "the season" that Eflin finally turns the corner, and yet they continue to wait.

Outside of 2019, Eflin has not logged 150 innings pitched in a single season. Not exactly the type of pitcher the Phillies can depend on to help them reach the postseason, as Eflin still leaves much to be desired.

This offseason Eflin will enter his third year of arbitration. With the new CBA, it will be hard to tell what type of money the Phillies will have to pay Eflin for his services come 2022. However, they paid him $4.5 million this season for just 105.2 innings pitches, so could that money be used better elsewhere?

It all comes down to this: The Phillies know what life without Eflin is like, but what could it be like spending money on a legitimate starter who is durable and will give you the innings you need?

That is the $4.5 million question. With so many starters on the market this winter, one has to wonder if Philadelphia doesn't finally cut ties with Eflin and move on to something more proven.

The team has been waiting for Eflin to round the corner for years. Aside from a shortened effort last season, the starting pitcher has yet to prove himself. For a team with playoff aspirations, this cannot be the approach.

It is a very real possibility that Philadelphia enters the 2022 season with Eflin on the outside looking in, whether or not that would be the correct decision is still years down the road.

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