Phillies Among Teams to "Check In" on Veteran Pitcher

The Phillies have plenty of competition for the final two spots in their pitching rotation.

With Aaron Nola, Zack Wheeler and Zach Eflin occupying the top three spots, the battle for the No. 4 and 5 spots in the rotation will have plenty of arms, and the team could be looking to add another.

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According to Jon Heyman of the MLB Network, the Phillies are among the teams checking in on free agent pitcher Jake Odorizzi.

Odorizzi battled through an injury plagued 2020 season that limited him to just four games, but started 30 games with a 3.51 ERA in 2019, pitching 159 innings with the Twins.

If the Phillies were to add the 30-year veteran, he would be in a crowded competition with top prospect Spencer Howard, Vince Velasquez, Chase Anderson and Matt Moore who both singed this offseason to round our their rotation.

It was reported several weeks ago that Odorizzi was looking for a three-year deal worth around $15 million per year.

One other name that could be involved for a spot in the starting rotation is 34-year old veteran Ivan Nova, who will pitch the Phillies Grapefruit League opening this Sunday.

The 34-year-old non-roster invitee posted an 8.53 ERA over four starts with the Tigers last season before going down with right triceps tendinitis.