Phillies’ Jerad Eickhoff Looking to Build off Solid Spring Debut

As a rookie in 2016, Jerad Eickhoff found himself thrown right into the fire by joining an injury-plagued Phillies starting rotation after appearing in eight games in 2015 following a trade with Texas. Eickhoff provided plenty of quality starts, while eating up 197.1 innings, but in 2017 major league hitters soon got to him as his ERA ballooned to 4.71 after being 3.65 his rookie season.

Now in his third spring training with the Phillies, Eickhoff is looking to show that he can be more consistent and show more of his 2016 form. .

The 27-year-old Eickhoff joined Thursday's edition of the Sports Bash after making his spring debut, in the Phillies’ 6-0 win over the University of Tampa. He talked about what he did this offseason.

“I tweaked a couple of things as far as mechanics go," Eickhoff explained. "I think players and coaches have had some good feedback for me, I think I ironed some stuff out."

As for his two innings of scoreless ball on Friday against the Tampa, Eickhoff was happy to get the season rolling.

“Yeah, its been an exciting time, just camp in general,” he said. “Just to get back on the mound felt pretty good.”

Eickhoff looks to be one of the few names that is penciled the starting rotation for a spot in the Phillies rotation with Aaron Nola and Vincent Velazquez.

"I think right now there is quite a bit (of competition)," Eickhoff said. "We're all putting our best foot forward and just compete."