Kyle Gibson Impresses in First Phillies Start
The Phillies added veteran starting pitcher Kyle Gibson at the trade deadline on Friday and he gave the team exactly what they needed on Sunday, during his first start with the team.
Gibson went 6.2 innings on Sunday to pick up a win in his Phillies debut against the Pirates, striking out five batters and giving up just two runs.
"What was impressive to me is we went out and scored in the first inning and he went out bang, bang, bang, strike, strike, strike and then he went out and did it again," Phillies manager Joe Girardi explained. "His efficiency, his ability to throw four pitches over at any time I thought was really important."
The 33-year old has been outstanding this season with a 2.86 ERA, 1.17 WHIP in 119 2/3 innings. His next start will be a big one against the Mets on Friday night.
Gibson was acquired on Friday along with Ian Kennedy, who also made his Phillies debut on Sunday, and right-handed pitching prospect Hans Crouse from the Rangers for pitchers Spencer Howard, Josh Gessner, and Kevin Gowdy.
What Gibson did on Sunday was a breath of fresh air, considering Phillies No. 4 and 5 pitchers have been dreadful this season. Matt Moore and Vince Velasquez in particular have really struggling as of late. Since returning from the I.L. Moore has given up 18 runs in 22 2/3 innings and Velasquez has given up 24 runs over 17 1/3 innings in his five starts this month.
With Gibson in the rotation along with Zack Wheeler, Aaron Nola and when Zach Eflin returns, it gives the Phillies some solid starting pitching.
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