Here is What the Phillies Bullpen Could Like Like in 2013
Michael Stutes is scheduled to begin a throwing program.
Stutes had arthroscopic shoulder surgery in June and isn’t expected to return this season. The 25-year-old has been on the disabled since April 22 and should be medically cleared for spring training in February.
Getting a healthy Stutes back could give the Phillies a solid bullpen in 2013.
In his rookie season, Stutes posted solid numbers with a 3.6w ERA and a 1.24 WHIP in 52 innings pitched – he made 57 appearances . He also struck out 58 hitters and finished with 13 holds.
So what could the Phillies pen look like in 2013?
Well, Jonathan Papelbon is rock solid at the back of the pen closing games out.
So who will be the set-up man? A spot that the Phillies haven’t been able to find this season.
The in-house candidates: Antonio Bastardo, Josh Lindblom, B.J. Rosenberg and Phillippe Aumont.
Bastardo has failed miserably this season after he went 6-1 with a 2.64 ERA and a .931 WHIP in 2011. Lindblom was solid in 48 games with the Dodgers, posting a 3.02 ERA and a 1.29 WHIP in 47 innings pitched. However, he has not impressed thus far in 10 games with the Phillies. The 26 year-old Rosenberg can hit 96 on the radar gun and dominated at the minor league level in 2012. In 62 innings, Rosenberg fanned 73 hitters and had a 1.89 ERA and a 1.16 WHIP. And then there is Aumont, who was the centerpiece of the Cliff Lee trade in 2009, but has yet to show any signs that he can be a major league contributor.
Down on the farm, Justin Friend is having a strong season at Reading posting a 0.24 ERA and 22 saves in 35 games – but doesn’t seem like he is in the Phillies plans for 2012 when he will be 27 years old.
What is available in free agency?
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